Mirpur (Bangladesh), Feb 27 (IANS): Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe bin Mortaza is singing Mahmudullah's praises after the all-rounder's match-winning show against the United Arab Emirates in the Asia Cup here.

Mashrafe insisted the role of the off-spinning all-rounder in the team was pretty clear. Bangladesh were sent in to bat by the UAE but the hosts slipped to 83/4 before Mahmudullah walked in at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Friday, reports bdnews24.com.

He kept the sinking ship afloat with a gritty 36 not out, off 27 deliveries, and pushed Bangladesh's total to a modest 133/8 with some late fireworks.

Later he picked up two wickets for just five runs in two overs that helped Bangladesh seal a convincing 51-run win. He also took a spectacular catch at point.

"(Mahmudullah) Riyad knows what his role is. He has to bat under pressure most of the time. He has to play with a lot of responsibility especially when the top order does not get runs. He faces a lot of criticism if he can't give his best," Mashrafe said.

Mahmudullah coped with the pressure successfully against qualifiers UAE.

"Riyad played a very good innings. It was very important for the team. He is bowling well too nowadays. It will be very good for us if he can keep it up," said the skipper.