Rishad's four-wicket burst strengthens his ODI case

Rishad Hossain has strengthened his case for a more prominent role in Bangladesh's ODI plans after producing the leading bowling performance in Bangladesh A's series-clinching win over South Africa A.

The leg-spinner took four wickets for 45 runs from his 10 overs in Potchefstroom on Saturday, helping dismiss the hosts for 182. Bangladesh then completed a five-wicket victory in 33 overs to take the three-match unofficial ODI series 1-0.

The series had been reduced to a single completed match after the first two games were abandoned because of rain. That made Saturday's contest a straight fight for the series, giving Rishad's performance added significance.

He was particularly effective in breaking up the South African batting order as Bangladesh kept the hosts under pressure for most of their innings. Only captain Marques Ackerman, who scored 54, and Imran Manack, who made 43, offered sustained resistance.

Rishad also finished the chase unbeaten on five from 14 balls, although his main contribution came with the ball.

For Bangladesh, his value lies in the combination he offers. Rishad can provide leg-spin while also contributing with the bat, allowing the team greater flexibility when constructing a limited-overs XI.

He has already played international cricket and was one of the 12 capped players in Bangladesh A's 15-member ODI squad, with Aliss Al Islam, Al Fahad and Musfik Hasan the three uncapped members.

That makes the South Africa performance less about proving he belongs at international level and more about reminding the selectors what he can offer when given responsibility.

Bangladesh's ODI plans will depend on consistency as much as individual flashes, and Rishad will need to build on this performance.

But after his four-wicket effort in the series decider, his name has certainly become harder to overlook when the selectors consider their next ODI combination.