Asia Cup 2023: Piyush Chawla Praises Mushfiqur Rahim After His 64-Run Knock Against Pakistan, Says 'He Didn't Allow Shadab The Chance To Settle'

Veteran India spinner, Piyush Chawla lauded Mushfiqur Rahim after he played a 64-run knock against Pakistan in the first Super Four of the tournament on Wednesday (September 6th) at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Even though the wicketkeeper cum batsman, Mushfiqur Rahim played a stunning knock but still failed to clinch a win in the game. In the first inning, Bangladesh gave a target of 194 runs.

In the second inning, the Bangladeshi bowling attack failed to defend the target and lost the match by seven wickets. Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz picked one wicket each and no other bowlers could manage to take wickets.

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While speaking at Star Sports, Piyush Chawla applauded Mushfiqur Rahim and said that he is an experienced batsman and took time to settle since he knew that the player has to make a mark in the middle order.

Piyush Chawla also added that if the 36-year-old did not play that knock then Bangladesh would have failed to reach that position.

The India spinner also pointed out how Mushfiqur played the sweep shots against Shadab Khan to stop him from taking a chance.

“He is an experienced batter. He took his time at the start because he knew that it was essential to spend time in the middle. If he hadn’t spent time, Bangladesh wouldn’t have even reached the position they did.

“When you are 47/4, the opposing team thinks 120-130, especially when they know that there isn’t much depth in batting, but he played a good knock. He didn’t allow Shadab the chance to settle because of the sweep shots he played,” Piyush Chawla said.

He is a short-statured player: Sanjay Bangar on Mushfiqur Rahim

Former India player, Sanjay Bangar also applauded the 36-year-old Bangladeshi player for his excellent inning and also praised the sweep shots he played against the spinners.

“He is a short-statured player and because such players don’t have that much reach, the sweep shot probably becomes easier for them because spinners bowl most of their deliveries on the good length. Not only the sweep, they also play the cut shot very well.

“I feel he knows his game very well. He showed different types of initial movements against the pace bowlers during his innings. So overall, the role a competitive player plays at No. 5 or No. 6, Mushfiqur Rahim performed that role very well,” Sanjay Bangar said.

Bangladesh will square off against Sri Lanka on Saturday (September 9th) at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.