Shafiul’s butterflies could sting Ireland

DHAKA, (Reuters) – A delivery that flies through the  air “like a butterfly” could turn out to be paceman Shafiul  Islam’s secret weapon when Bangladesh look to restore dented  pride in their World Cup match against Ireland.

Bangladesh fans are desperate to see the co-hosts register a  win in the tournament after they were hammered by 87 runs by  neighbours India last weekend.

Shafiul had hoped to unleash his new trick against India but  suffered stage-fright after being on the receiving end of  Virender Sehwag’s onslaught.

Shafiul Islam

“Our bowling coach … helped me to learn one of my slower  deliveries. One of them we call butterfly,” the 21-year-old told  Reuters in an interview.

“Another slower ball he taught me is one we usually see  Shoaib Akthar bowl. I am trying to bowl that slower, which is  also an off-cutter in the nets.

“I really did not have an opportunity to try it against  India… I was just not getting my rhythm as Sehwag was playing  too well.

“He was even hitting fours off good balls. I haven’t bowled  that bad in any of my games since I made my debut. I hope it  doesn’t happen again in the Ireland game,” added the right-arm  bowler who struggled to get his line right against India and  conceded 69 runs in his seven overs.

Shafiul, the most consistent fast bowler for Bangladesh in  2010 with 32 wickets in 23 matches, is well known at home for  his slower deliveries. He honed the skills under Bangladesh’s  new bowling coach Ian Pont, who joined the side only five months  ago.

With all the hard work that went into perfecting the slower  deliveries, Shafiul is eager to showcase his tricks on the big  stage
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“I am now determined to try my new techniques against  Ireland,” he said looking ahead to Friday’s Group B encounter.

However, he gave Bangladesh an injury scare during  yesterday’s fielding practice when he attempted a catch and hurt  his shoulder.

He shrugged off the problem and said he should be fully fit  to face Ireland, who famously beat Pakistan in the 2007 World  Cup in the Caribbean.

Ireland batsman Andrew White, a school teacher by  profession, said his team had been inspired by the valiant  performance of fellow outsiders Netherlands.

The Dutch gave England a real fright before going down by  six wickets on Tuesday.

“I think Holland have made a statement which has come as no  surprise to Holland and likewise on Friday we will make a  statement which will come as no surprise to us,” White said  ahead of their opening match in the tournament.