We should play the ball, not the bowler: Mushtaq Ahmed | Sports

DHAKA, Oct 12, 2025 (BSS) — Bangladesh spin bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed believes the batters’ tendency to play the bowlers reputation was the reason behind his side’s crushing 81-run defeat to Afghanistan in the second game. The defeat ensured Bangladesh ODI series loss to Afghanistan for the third time in a row. Mushtaq more specifically singled out Rashid who tormented Bangladesh in both of the ODIs. He followed his four wickets in the opening game with a 5-17 in the second match to script his side’s facile victory over Bangladesh. According to Mushtaq, Bangladesh batters couldn’t play to the merit of the ball, rather they gave Rashid more importance. "I think they are playing Rashid, not the ball,” a dejected...