KOLKATA: T20 cricket is a game of specialists, from all-rounders like Moises Henriques being favoured over a world-class batsman like Kane Williamson, to the increasing prominence of leg-spinners. Among those specialities they deliver, off-cutters have become synonymous with left-arm Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman.
Off-cutters have been around for ages but ‘Fizz’ delivers it with perfection and with miniscule changes in his bowling action. His stock ball has paid dividends more often than not but in his first IPL match this season, he leaked 34 runs in 2.4 overs against Mumbai Indians.
Ahead of the Sunrisers Hyderabad versus Kolkata Knight Riders clash on Saturday, the wicket-taking speedster asserted that the day game could help him produce the magical off-cutters. “In the game against MI, I could not pitch the ball where I intended to and things did not go my way. Cutters depend on the wicket and considering that it will remain dry on Saturday since it is a day game, I am hoping that those balls would come by easily. My aim is to always give my best whenever I take to the field,” the wiry SRH bowler noted.
Rahman’s addition to the squad even resulted in a loss for Sunrisers, who had until then won both their matches, and the 21-year-old is raring to make amends. “I am comfortable bowling anytime the team requires me to. My target is to just get the job done,” Rahman, who missed a couple of IPL matches due to Bangladesh’s tour of Sri Lanka, said. Cutters are lethal because they generate awkward bounce that can flabbergast the best in business.
Cricket is not the only thing on this introvert seamer’s mind as he is eager to taste the famed maach-bhaat (fish and rice) here. “I have relished a few of the Bengali dishes but I have not got a chance to taste fish and rice,” he said.
A tight match is on the cards for the bowler as the KKR juggernaut does not seem to stop at home while chasing. SRH coach Tom Moody seemed to be wary of the fact. “Chasing will be the preferred option, no doubt about that.” Moody & Co would hope the cutters do not become a rarity when the Gautam Gambhir-led KKR face off against them.
vishal@newindianexpress.com