A silent strategist and crisis specialist

Mustafizur Rahman maintains a low profile in the cricketing world. He speaks very little in public, rarely appears in media sessions, and usually avoids the spotlight. Despite this, he remains a vital part of the Bangladesh national cricket team, particularly during high-pressure moments in T20 Internationals. Inside the dressing room, his teammates describe him as one of the more active and playful members of the squad, in contrast to his reserved public image. He is well-regarded not just for his personality but also for his consistent contributions in critical phases of matches.

Mustafizur's role in the T20 side has evolved over time. While he is often used in the death overs, his impact goes beyond just filling that role. His performances have been central to Bangladesh's success in recent years. His effectiveness in the final overs of a T20 innings is backed by clear statistics. In overs 17 to 20, he has maintained an economy rate of 7.92. In matches that Bangladesh have won, his overall T20I economy rate stands at 6.20. He has taken 103 wickets in those victories, and he has featured in 57 T20I wins—the most by any Bangladeshi cricketer.

In 2025, the difference in results with and without Mustafizur in the team was significant. Bangladesh lost all 8 T20 Internationals that he missed. In contrast, they won 10 out of the 11 matches in which he played, with the only loss coming against Sri Lanka in the group stage of the Asia Cup. These figures underline his importance in the current T20 setup.

His reliability is supported by the role clarity he enjoys within the team. He is often brought into the attack when the opposition has momentum or when the match is in a sensitive phase. Opposing batters tend to play him with caution, which helps Bangladesh control the game during high-pressure situations. Bowling coach Shaun Tait has noted that part of his responsibility is to ensure Mustafizur remains happy and confident. When that happens, he said, the rest tends to fall into place.

Mustafizur's performance in the Asia Cup Super Four match against Sri Lanka in Dubai serves as a recent example. Bangladesh were under pressure at multiple points during Sri Lanka's innings. Mustafizur bowled in the 14th over, removing Kusal Perera. In the 17th over, he kept things tight against Dasun Shanaka and Charith Asalanka, conceding no boundaries. In the 19th over, after two sixes had been hit in the previous over, Mustafizur returned and conceded just five runs, while taking two wickets and assisting in a run-out. His final bowling figures were 4 overs, 20 runs, and 3 wickets. Bangladesh went on to win the match by four wickets with one ball remaining.

Although he avoids the spotlight, Mustafizur is considered a key part of the team environment. Teammates say he helps keep the mood light in the dressing room. His ability to stay calm during matches and relaxed off the field adds balance to the squad.