Jaydev Unadkat hails Washington Sundar’s impact in powerplay overs
COLOMBO: India left-arm paceman Jaydev Unadkat feels the poise shown by 18-year-old offspinner Washington Sundar bowling in the powerplay overs have helped contain batsmen and will be key going forward in the Nidahas Trophy.
The 26-year-old Unadkat took a career-best 3/38 in the sixwicket win over Bangladesh on Thursday, underlining his skill in T20 that fetched him ~11.5 crore from Rajasthan Royals in the IPL auction. “What benefits us is the way Sundar contained the batsman. What stands out is his variation of pace. When a bowler is containing from one end in the powerplay, the batsmen do come under pressure and make mistakes,” Unadkat said. Unadkat, who has enjoyed success in the 2017 IPL, stressed on variations. “Variations are important. If the batsman is expecting us to do something and we come out different, we have achieved success,” Unadkat said.
Bangladesh achieved a record chase against Sri Lanka on Saturday to throw open the tournament. Mushfiqur Rahim’s 72 not out off 35 balls helped Bangladesh chase down 215, the fourth-highest successful T20 chase. Each team has a win and loss each with a game left. Unadkat said it was great for the team.
“The tournament is wide open and that allows us to play good cricket. It will keep us on our feet. For us, all the games are crucial. The tournament is important to express ourselves.”
Mushfiqur Rahim steered a full and wide ball from Thisara Perera in the final over to the third man fence on Saturday. The former Bangladesh captain stood still, composed himself and dug out a yorker to level the scores. Rahim then clipped a full delivery to mid wicket. Once the run was completed, Rahim broke into a snake dance.
Bangladesh had secured the fourth-highest successful chase in T20 Internationals and the win not only helped Bangladesh snap their losing streak. Almost two years ago, Mushfiqur had failed to complete the job at hand.
BANGALORE HORRORS
In the World T20 clash against India in March 2016, Bangladesh needed 11 off the final over bowled by Hardik Pandya. Mushfiqur hit two boundaries to get the equation down to two off three balls with three wickets remaining. After he hit the second boundary, Rahim pumped his fist and jumped up in joy, coming close to Pandya.
However, in the quest to finish