Mustafizur Rahman was back in the nets this week, bowling under the watchful eye of head coach Phil Simmons and pace bowling coach Shaun Tait. The focus was sharp. The energy, visible.
As the July 2 ODI opener against Sri Lanka draws closer, Bangladesh’s training sessions have picked up pace—especially in the fast bowling department, where intensity is clearly building.
Mustafizur joined the squad recently and didn’t waste time. He bowled repeatedly in practice, adjusting his rhythm under Tait’s guidance. Simmons stood nearby, quietly observing every delivery.
Tait wasn’t working with Mustafizur alone. Hasan Mahmud and Tanzim Hasan Sakib were also in the session. The former Australian pacer spent extra time with both, offering tactical feedback and mechanical tweaks.
Their roles may prove decisive.
Bangladesh’s pace unit struggled in the recent two-Test series. Despite chances for Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud, and Ebadot Hossain, the returns were limited. Three wickets for Hasan in the first match. Just one for Nahid in the second.
This ODI series feels different.
There’s pressure to bounce back. Not just for the bowlers, but for Shaun Tait too.
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Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud, Tanzim Sakib, and Mustafizur Rahman make up the pace unit. Taskin, still recovering from injury, may be rested for parts of the series. Rana, after back-to-back Tests, might be rested for the first ODI.
That opens up space.
Most signs point toward a playing XI featuring Mustafizur, Hasan, and Tanzim in the first match. Hasan may take the new ball. Tanzim could be used in the middle overs. Mustafizur is likely to handle the death overs.
It’s not locked in yet. New captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Simmons will make the final calls. Still, the practice session hinted at the team’s direction.
There’s a structure forming.
Three quicks, drilled and briefed. Coaches talking, players listening. Mustafizur isn’t just back—he looks ready. Tanzim seems engaged. Hasan appears focused.
The first ODI will be played at Premadasa Stadium, under lights. Bangladesh’s training, paced and deliberate, suggests they are taking no chances.
You’ll know more when they walk onto the field July 2. But the groundwork is being laid. One ball at a time.
