Al-Amin, Mashrafe bolster pace hope

There could be few better ways for pacer Al-Amin to draw the attention of the national selectors ahead of next month’s series against New Zealand than his stellar bowling display in the Dhaka Premier League (DPL) match against Cricket Coaching School (CCS). His six-wicket haul gave Abahani an emphatic 212-run victory over CCS, who were skilled out for 35, the second-lowest score in the country’s List A history after Chittagong’s 30 in the now defunct National Cricket League one-day competition.
The right-arm paceman is already in contention after his impressive bowling in the tour of England with the A team and yesterday’s devastating spell in front of chief selector Akram Khan and selector Habibul Bashar definitely boosted his claim. There is a view that the lanky paceman can be a good option as a first-change bowler.
“He was outstanding today. It’s nice to see him bowl with such venom. I am impressed especially as we are looking for good pace bowlers for the national team. It’s not easy for the batsmen to negotiate his incoming deliveries and you know he has an awkward action,” said Bashar.
Another popular outfit, Mohammedan, also got off to a good start as they rode on Afghanistan recruit Mohammad Nabi’s blazing 146 to secure a 34-run victory over Prime Doleshwar at the Shahid Chandu Stadium in Bogra.
There was more encouragement for the selectors as far as pace bowling is concerned as Mashrafe Bin Mortaza played a vital role in Mohammedan’s victory, taking two wickets for 32 runs in his seven-over spell. The pace spearhead bowled for the first time in a competitive match injuring his heel last February during the BPL final. The right-arm  showed significant improvement from his outing in the three-day practice match at Khulna.
“We learnt that he bowled really well and it’s really good news for us,” said Akram, who along with his two colleagues has been facing difficulties with the pace bowling department mainly because of the injuries.
“I bowled four overs in the first spell and then bowled two overs and one over in the next two spells. Conditions were too hot but still I enjoyed my bowling. I have started to regain confidence and I hope my bowling will be much better in the next match,” said confident Mashrafe.
At the Shaheed Kamruzzaman Stadium in Rajshahi, Junaed Siddiqui hit 95 as Mushfiqur Rahim’s Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club posted a 16-run victory over Kalabagan Krira Chakra.