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Bangladeshi star could spark BBL interest

Hot prospect Mustafizur Rahman could come on the radar as BBL clubs look to finalise their lists for BBL|06

Bangladesh's Mustafizur Rahman could well ignite a bidding war between several KFC Big Bash League clubs as the T20 magician's stock continues to soar.

Mustafizur is one of the hottest T20 bowlers in the world right now, dominating the Indian Premier League at the Sunrisers Hyderabad with lively left-arm pace, deceptive slower balls and a hostile yorker.

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Seven BBL clubs have at least one overseas vacancy for BBL|06 – only the Melbourne Stars have already filled their quota with English pair Luke Wright and Kevin Pietersen signed on – and the Melbourne Renegades may have got an early jump on their rivals in the race for Mustafizur.

The Bangladeshi's IPL coach Tom Moody is a director at the Renegades, who currently have two overseas spots available on their list, although one is expected to be taken by the return of West Indies allrounder Dwayne Bravo.

Moody's close connection with Mustafizur could be a deal-breaker for the Renegades should they want to sign the 20-year-old, as they aim to add to their lone semi-finals appearance in BBL|02.

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Coach David Saker recently expressed a desire to boost his side's bowling stocks after a disappointing campaign last summer, which saw them miss the finals for the third consecutive season.

"To be fair, we probably need an overseas bowler," Saker told The Age.

"We're looking at whether to go down that track or to recruit a bowler from inside Australia."

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Recently described as a "little genius" by Sydney Sixers captain and Sunrisers teammate Moises Henriques, Mustafizur could also be swayed to the SCG with the Sixers having room for two international signings.

Sydney Thunder's former captain and new list manager Mike Hussey has also had a first-hand look at the youngster in his role as an IPL commentator. Musatfizur could be an option to replace legendary allrounder Jacques Kallis at the reigning champions, who are expected to re-sign thrilling allrounder Andre Russell in the off-season.

Perth Scorchers also have both of their overseas spots vacant, while Hobart, Adelaide and Brisbane can sign one more international each.

If Mustafizur does find a home in the BBL next summer he would be the second Bangladeshi to play in Australia after Shakib Al Hasan, who turned out for the Strikers and Renegades in BBL|02 and BBL|04 respectively. 

Relatively unknown two months ago, Mustafizur burst onto the radar after a stunning display in the IPL and the preceding World T20.

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The 20-year-old claimed nine wickets in three matches for Bangladesh in the showpiece T20 tournament in India in March, including a haul of 5-22 against semi-finalists and world No.1 ranked T20 team New Zealand.

In nine matches for Hyderabad under the captaincy of Australia's David Warner, Mustafizur has captured 13 wickets, one behind competition leader Mitchell McClenaghan of the Mumbai Indians.

While his wicket-taking prowess would be enough to spark an interest from franchises around the globe, it's his economy rate that makes him the perfect T20 package.

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Mustifizur has allowed only 6.15 runs per over this season, the fewest by any bowler to have bowled at least 10 overs.

And what's more impressive is the time of the match that Warner has employed his young gun.

Quick Single: Beguiling Mustifizur plays a lone hand

Commanding perhaps the best pace attack in the IPL, Warner has used Mustafizur predominantly in the second half of the innings, saving him for the 'death' overs when batsmen are looking to clear the rope and accrue as many runs as they can as quickly as possible.

The left-armer's best performance this IPL season was a frugal 2-9 from four overs against Kings XI Punjab.

Bowling his first over in the last over of the powerplay, Mustafizur started with a wicket maiden and conceded only one run from his first 15 deliveries.

His final two overs – the 16th and 20th of Punjab's innings – went for just eight runs, earning praise from his skipper following the five-wicket win.

"He's a special talent and Bangladesh should be privileged to have him," Warner said.

"He's a world-class player and he's proved himself here at the moment. 

"It is early on in the tournament but hopefully he can keep continuing his form. His change of pace and knowledge of the game is very good."