Liton can be a destroyer at the WC, opines Mash

Liton Das has shown his destructive abilities with the bat in both T20s and ODIs. He has the capability to be the perfect foil for Tamim Iqbal at the top and it is a view shared by many and Bangladesh ODI captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza too was keen on watching Liton's growth.

The captain talked to the media during a signing ceremony for a local brand and reiterated his faith and confidence in the destructive right-hander who managed 27 off 38 deliveries on his return to Bangladesh's Dhaka Premier League yesterday.

"Not too bothered since I am not of the view that someone can carry on the same form shown here [Dhaka Premier League] to international stage," he opined when asked about Liton's form following the dismal showing in the New Zealand ODI tour and his slow start yesterday against Mohammedan.

"We have seen in recent matches the kind of quality Liton possesses. I am talking about the Asia Cup final. I think he can be a destroyer. There is that possibility in him," Mashrafe said.

In 1996 World Cup, Sri Lanka's Sanath Jayasuriya and Romesh Kaluwitharana brought about a change in international ODIs as they frequently took their chances during the first 15 overs. With Tamim now playing more of an anchor role in the side, the onus will be on Liton to take advantage of the Powerplay and the field restrictions.

"The batting coach is working with him," Mash informed.

"What is important is consistency. I hope that if he plays his natural cricket then it would be a big advantage for the team," the captain added.

Going by the captain's words, Liton's thriving shot-making the likes of which he displayed against bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar during his dominant ton in the Asia Cup final against India is what the team requires at the top so that Tamim at the other end can help build the innings.