Backed him for a year, knew he would win games: Hathurusingha on Rishad Hossain

Young leg spinner Rishad Hossain has emerged as a game-changer for Bangladesh in the ongoing T20 World Cup, impressing coach Chandika Hathurusingha with his performance. Hathurusingha believes that leg spinners are undervalued in Bangladesh’s cricketing landscape but sees Rishad’s success as a step towards changing that perception.

In their opening game of the tournament, Rishad returned figures of 3 for 22, including crucial wickets of Charith Asalanka and Wanindu Hasaranga. Hathurusingha praised the young spinner’s impact on the team and highlighted the importance of understanding the value of leg spin in cricket.

Hathurusingha also commended Mahmudullah for his composed innings in a low-scoring match against Sri Lanka, where he guided Bangladesh to victory. The coach believes Mahmudullah’s experience and ability to finish games make him a crucial player for the team.

Looking ahead to their match against South Africa, Hathurusingha acknowledged the challenging conditions in New York but expressed confidence in Bangladesh’s ability to compete. He emphasized the need for the top order to perform consistently and urged the batters to play to their strengths with confidence.

As Bangladesh prepares for their upcoming games, including the crucial clash against South Africa, the team will be looking to build on Rishad’s breakthrough performance and Mahmudullah’s leadership to make an impact in the T20 World Cup. Hathurusingha’s strategic approach and belief in the team’s potential could prove vital in shaping their journey in the tournament.