2024-02-16 16:25:57
After a great start in the batting paradise of Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Fortune Barisal’s run of 163 at the end of 19 overs! On that day, the weaker opponents were brilliant, but the wicket was not enough considering. Mohammad Saifuddin was the new batsman at the crease. Shariful Islam took 22 runs in the last five balls with a pair of six-four! On this day, Saifuddin’s innings of 23 runs from six balls brought fighting capital to Barisal. In the end, Barisal won this match by 27 runs.
How important Saifuddin’s 23-run cameo was was evident in the match itself. He returned to the field in the first week of February after being sidelined for a long time due to a back injury. Apart from his great bowling, Saifuddin’s skill with the bat has caught the eye. He was unbeaten by 30 runs in the first match. After playing three matches, he was unbeaten in batting in two matches and did not bat in another match. He took 7 wickets with the ball.
Despite such a comeback, Saifuddin is not happy, the all-rounder wants to take more time to prove himself, ‘In fact, there is a lot left to prove. There is no reason to be happy watching a match or two. If I get a chance and if I can do it with a bigger team then maybe I will understand how much progress has been made.’
Saifuddin faced the media after training at the Zahoor Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium on Friday (February 16). He highlighted the hard work behind his batting improvement, ‘To be honest, I have worked a lot on batting for the past few months. I went to Moscow and worked with Salahuddin sir, when I was in Mirpur I worked with coach Babul sir, I batted with the machine. Maybe that could be a reason. I tried to give my best. Since bowling was prohibited, I worked on batting.’
He could not play in the last BPL due to injury. This injury is a constant companion. He played the last competitive match before BPL in May 2023 in Dhaka Premier League. And he played the last international match in October 2022. Went to Qatar. After bringing treatment from there, the rehabilitation process was going on. Was hoping to make a comeback with BPL but only got batting clearance from BCB medical department.
Not just as a batter, but in the field. Returned fully fit, ‘I am trying to give my best. Just like when your back is against the wall, you want to move forward with your best, so I entered the field with that thought. I don’t know if I gave my best though. But I am trying to do better and take the team forward with my best.’
This cricketer could have been seen in the Sri Lanka series team if he had been on the field since the beginning of the BPL. Still not stopping dreaming of playing in the upcoming T20 World Cup, teammate Mahmudullah took Riyad’s fight as an inspiration, ‘Some days ago I came back from injury so maybe I didn’t plan in the Sri Lanka series. I hope to play better. Since the Sri Lanka series was missed, the upcoming series before the World Cup might be considered. For that purpose I will try to practice with my best, try to get noticed by the selectors.
“We always see Riyad brother in front of our eyes. We are teammates, is he working or is he doing his work according to his process without listening to anything outside. So this is what we follow. In fact, every cricketer should play his best on the field without focusing on what is happening outside. The work we have seen Riyad Bhai give his best in the World Cup’ added Saifuddin.