Not worried about facing Shaheen or any bowler: Miraz

Bangladesh all-rounder Mehedi Hasan Miraz said that he remains unfazed at the prospect of having to face Pakistan quick Shaheen Shah Afridi or any other bowler in the upcoming matches of the ongoing Asia Cup in Sri Lanka and Pakistan. 

In an attempt to tackle the Tigers' long-standing opening slot issues, Miraz was promoted up the order to pair with opener Mohammad Naim in their final group game against Afghanistan in Lahore yesterday.

The team management's gamble to use Miraz as an opener paid off, with the batter smashing his second ODI hundred in the Tigers' whopping 89-run win that eventually ensured their place in the Super Four of the tournament. 

With no Bangladeshi media personnel present in Lahore yesterday, a number of Pakistani journalists asked Miraz questions regarding their game against Pakistan, also to be played in Lahore. 

Pakistan possess one of the deadliest pace attacks in the world, comprising the trio of Shaheen, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf. Shaheen in particular is well-known for his ability to scalp wickets in his initial overs by bamboozling batters with his express pace and swing. 

"I am ready to face any bowler at any time. This is a new journey for me [in the opening slot in ODIs]. If I am given the opportunity to play in this position in the next game, I believe I possess the ability to play as an opener," Miraz said when asked how prepared is he to tackle the pace threat of Pakistan. 

Shaheen was the pick of the bowler for Pakistan in their first game against arch-rivals India, scalping the crucial wickets of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli very early in the innings. 

Asked specifically about the prospect of facing Shaheen, Miraz said: "I am not worried about facing any bowler [including Shaheen]. All I want to do is play well when I am at the crease. If given, this will be a great opportunity for me in the next game as well. I might even play in the top order even if I don't get to open. And if I can open the innings, I think I can play in the top order as well."