Mahedi Hasan on Power Play Bowling: ‘It’s All About Mentality and Planning’

Bangladesh off-spinner Mahedi Hasan has revealed his straightforward approach to bowling during the power play, focusing on preventing opposing batters from scoring with ease. As Bangladesh faced a challenging chase of 148 runs, they stumbled right from the start, but Mahedi’s strategic mindset proved pivotal in shifting momentum.

In a tense match, both Mahedi and Taskin Ahmed made an immediate impact, striking with the first ball of their respective overs. Taskin dismissed Brandon King, while Mahedi claimed the crucial wicket of Nicholas Pooran. Despite Johnson Charles’ explosive 25-run fourth over, which included two sixes and a four, Mahedi swiftly countered by removing Charles, stifling the hosts’ recovery.

Mahedi’s bowling prowess didn’t stop there. In his third over, he captured back-to-back wickets, dismissing Andre Fletcher and Roston Chase, and leaving the hosts reeling at 61 for 7 in just 12 overs. Reflecting on his performance, Mahedi emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and sticking to a plan. “I usually bowl with the new ball and adjust my approach accordingly. My goal was to prevent the right-handed batters from playing their strong shots,” he explained. “It’s about maintaining the right mentality and executing a well-thought-out plan.”

The spinner noted the differences between the pitches in Mirpur and St. Kitts, yet expressed confidence in his ability to perform. “When I arrived here, I felt optimistic. Even though I didn’t play in the last T20 World Cup here, I always believed I could do well on this wicket,” he stated, recalling Bangladesh’s successful outings against Nepal and the Netherlands earlier in the tournament.

Mahedi acknowledged that the St. Kitts pitch seemed conducive to high scores, with potential for 180 to 200 runs if batters capitalized on the conditions. “There’s help for both pacers and spinners, but success hinges on how well you adapt your plans to the wicket,” he said.

Looking back on the World Cup, Mahedi expressed disappointment at not participating in any of the matches, noting that he believed he could have thrived on such a wicket. “It’s essential to plan well; that increases your chances of success, though each day brings its own challenges,” he concluded, underscoring the unpredictable nature of the game while remaining hopeful for the future.