Mustafizur Rahman holds a special place in the minds of Indian cricket fans, particularly for his explosive start to his ODI career. In his first two ODIs against India, he claimed 11 wickets across two matches. That was almost a decade ago. However, in T20Is against India, Mustafizur’s record has been relatively modest.
In the ongoing Asia Cup, the familiar Mustafizur has re-emerged. Against Afghanistan in a high-pressure match, he took 3 wickets for just 28 runs. In the Super Four clash against Sri Lanka, he bowled another brilliant spell, claiming 3 wickets for only 20 runs, effectively curbing the Lankan scoring rate. Despite his average numbers against India, Bangladesh will once again rely on this premier pacer when they face the Men in Blue at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on 24th September.
Why is Mustafizur considered unique among current T20 pacers? It is his trademark cutters and subtle variations. Particularly in the death overs, when batsmen are desperate to score, the left-arm pacer brings his magic into play.
His Asia Cup numbers reflect this skill. So far, he has claimed seven wickets in the tournament, four of them in the death overs. The Super Four match against Sri Lanka showcased his importance. Dasun Shanaka was wreaking havoc, but Mustafizur’s precise bowling in the death overs prevented the Lankans from posting a total beyond 180, a challenging target to chase at the Dubai ground.
Even before the big clash against India, all eyes are on Mustafizur. In 13 T20Is against India, he has taken just eight wickets, with best figures of 2 for 34. While his career T20I average is 20.57, against India it jumps to 57.37. He concedes 9.43 runs per over, and his strike rate is 35.5 balls per wicket. These stats show how comfortably Indian batsmen have handled him in the past.
Overall, in 117 T20I matches, his performance against India ranks as his second-worst. But numbers are not the final word in cricket. Given his current form and momentum, this left-arm pacer could potentially trouble even India’s star-studded batting lineup.
Off the field, Mustafizur seems relaxed and focused. At Monday’s practice at the ICC Academy, he played light football, joked with teammates, and joined catching sessions after a brief break. He bowled in the nets toward the end of the session.
As pace bowling coach Shaun Tait recently remarked, keeping Mustafizur happy is key—and that positive energy has reflected in Bangladesh’s performances in their last two matches. Bangladesh want the calm, quiet Mustafizur off the field, and the fiery, wicket-taking Mustafizur with the ball in hand.
Because a million-dollar question has been raised before a high-stake match, Can Musta ‘Fizz’ the Indian batters?
