DHAKA, (Reuters) – A delivery that flies through the air “like a butterfly” could turn out to be paceman Shafiul Islam’s secret weapon when Bangladesh look to restore dented pride in their World Cup match against Ireland.
Bangladesh fans are desperate to see the co-hosts register a win in the tournament after they were hammered by 87 runs by neighbours India last weekend.
Shafiul had hoped to unleash his new trick against India but suffered stage-fright after being on the receiving end of Virender Sehwag’s onslaught.
“Our bowling coach … helped me to learn one of my slower deliveries. One of them we call butterfly,” the 21-year-old told Reuters in an interview.
“Another slower ball he taught me is one we usually see Shoaib Akthar bowl. I am trying to bowl that slower, which is also an off-cutter in the nets.
“I really did not have an opportunity to try it against India… I was just not getting my rhythm as Sehwag was playing too well.
“He was even hitting fours off good balls. I haven’t bowled that bad in any of my games since I made my debut. I hope it doesn’t happen again in the Ireland game,” added the right-arm bowler who struggled to get his line right against India and conceded 69 runs in his seven overs.
Shafiul, the most consistent fast bowler for Bangladesh in 2010 with 32 wickets in 23 matches, is well known at home for his slower deliveries. He honed the skills under Bangladesh’s new bowling coach Ian Pont, who joined the side only five months ago.
With all the hard work that went into perfecting the slower deliveries, Shafiul is eager to showcase his tricks on the big stage
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“I am now determined to try my new techniques against Ireland,” he said looking ahead to Friday’s Group B encounter.
However, he gave Bangladesh an injury scare during yesterday’s fielding practice when he attempted a catch and hurt his shoulder.
He shrugged off the problem and said he should be fully fit to face Ireland, who famously beat Pakistan in the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean.
Ireland batsman Andrew White, a school teacher by profession, said his team had been inspired by the valiant performance of fellow outsiders Netherlands.
The Dutch gave England a real fright before going down by six wickets on Tuesday.
“I think Holland have made a statement which has come as no surprise to Holland and likewise on Friday we will make a statement which will come as no surprise to us,” White said ahead of their opening match in the tournament.
