Mehidy Hasan Miraz wants to "dream big" and "win more overseas series" after playing a crucial role in Bangladesh's historic ODI win in South Africa in the first match on Friday.
Mehidy, who is usually used as a part-timer in conditions back home, leaked 39 runs in his first five overs but ended up with 4 for 61, including the prized wicket of David Miller, who fell in the 46th over for a 57-ball 79. It was a crucial stage in the game, and the decision by Tamim Iqbal to bring Mehidy back for his second spell turned out to be a key one.
"When I was leaking a lot of runs, I told Tamim bhai that he can trust me. I will get him the wickets," Mehidy said. "Litton da was also supporting me. He was constantly telling me that I can turn things around."
He said that Shakib Al Hasan's timely advice to change his approach and cut down on pace helped to turn the tables in Centurion.
"I tried to bowl according to the merit of the wicket. I got a bit of turn from my end in the second spell," he added. "Shakib bhai told me to bowl slower. I always listen to Shakib bhai in tough situations. He has vast experience, and he usually assesses the wicket very well.
"When I am in two minds or under pressure, I keep telling myself that I can do it. I think this is a good thing. I motivate myself."
Mehidy, who recently hit an unbeaten 81 to help Bangladesh win from a near-impossible position against Afghanistan, has been having a purple patch of late, including playing a crucial role in Bangladesh's Test win against New Zealand in Mount Maunganui in January. In 2021, he had even risen to No. 2 in the ICC ODI bowling rankings.
Mehidy said that Bangladesh now have bigger things to achieve, given that the team has won ODIs in every country they have played.
"It is not possible to look for progress if you don't have big dreams," he said. "We are dreaming big. We want to win more overseas series. We want to win the Asia Cup, the World Cup. We are following these plans and trying to stick to the right process."
Mehidy Hasan Miraz
Bangladesh
South Africa vs Bangladesh
World Cup Super League
Bangladesh in South Africa
Mohammad Isam is ESPNcricinfo's Bangladesh correspondent. @isam84
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