Mirpur, April 25 (IANS): Bangladesh all-rounder Sabbir Rahman has said his "fearless" approach against Pakistan's bowling attack brought him success in the Twenty20 International.
Bangladesh thrashed an out-of-sorts Pakistan by seven wickets at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium here on Friday. It was their first win after losing seven matches against the 2009 World T20 champions, reports bdnews24.com.
Sabbir was adjudged Man-of-the-Match for his aggressive 51 off 32. He and Shakib Al Hasan (57) put on a superb unbeaten 105-run stand. When the 23-year-old arrived at the crease, Bangladesh were tottering at 38/3. But he kept his nerves to play his natural game and took the attack to the Pakistan bowlers.
"I wasn't afraid. I tried to play ball-by-ball," Sabbir said, adding that Mushfiqur Rahim, who was walking back to the pavilion, advised him to stay on the wicket.
"When I crossed Mushfiq, he told me - 'the wicket is very good. If you just stay there, you will be able to play'. He spoke positively, it boosted my confidence."
Sabbir did not have many opportunities to bat during the One-Day International (ODI) series, which the home team won 3-0, but put the chance given to him to good use.
"The most important thing is that Bangladesh have won the T20 match. I've said it before that if my scoring one run helps the team win (I would be happy). If I score a hundred and we lose, it will be sad for me," said Sabbir.
The two Asian countries will play two Test matches in Khulna (April 28-May 2) and Mirpur (May 6-10).