Sheikh Mehedi was not included in the playing XI for the first two matches of the T20 series. However, he got the opportunity in the series-deciding match against Sri Lanka. And Mehedi seemed to have given himself away after getting a place in the team.
He took 4 wickets for 11 runs in 4 overs. He was also named man of the match for his significant contribution to the team’s victory with the ball. Explaining the decision to field Mehedi at the post-match press conference, captain Liton Das said, “Regarding fielding Sheikh Mehedi, we believe that this Colombo wicket is suitable for the skills Mehedi has. This does not mean that Sheikh Mehedi will not bowl well on a good wicket or on other wickets. Whenever I know there is a T20 match here, the plan was already that Mehedi will play in this match whether anyone else plays or not.”
“It doesn’t mean that (Mehdi Hasan) Miraj is not a good bowler or batsman. No matter how well Mehdi does, no matter how good the conditions are, I will think about the surface as a leader (to build a team). If I think the surface bowling is helpful, I will definitely play Mehdi, if the surface batting is helpful, Miraj will make a comeback.”
About his comeback, Liton said, “I was never behind mentally. You don’t feel very good in your office every day. Cricket needs a little feeling sometimes. I think, since I wasn’t getting runs in the big innings. I was playing regularly in Tests and it was happening. It wasn’t happening for a long time in ODIs.”
He added, “I tried to give 100%. The mindset is different in the three formats. I have been playing this format for a long time, how to play; how to take the team forward. I never had that pressure in this format that I have not done anything before. I always felt, we have played the Pakistan series. Maybe we could not win the series, but everyone played fairly good cricket.”
FAQ
In which match did Sheikh Mehedi take 4 wickets?
Sheikh Mehedi took 4 wickets in the deciding T20 match of the series, playing a key role in his team’s victory.
Who were the opponents in this T20 match?
The opponents were the team facing Bangladesh in the T20 series, though the exact opponent depends on the specific match (can be updated with details).
What made Sheikh Mehedi’s performance special?
He bowled brilliantly under pressure, picking up 4 crucial wickets and breaking important partnerships, which helped turn the match in his team’s favor.
What were his bowling figures in the match?
Sheikh Mehedi’s final bowling figures were 4 wickets for a very economical number of runs (exact figures can be added when known).
