Trent Boult says he is more lethal than Mustafizur Rahman

In an interview with the Deccan Chronicle, New Zealand pacer Trent Boult has said that he is more of a lethal bowler than Bangladesh’s fast bowling prodigy Mustafizur Rahman. Boult has not started a T20 game since playing Pakistan in Wellington on January 22nd this year.

The 26-year-old was signed by the Sunrisers Hyderabad for $800,000 but continues to warm the bench for the side. His lack of game time in the World T20 due to better options has affected his chances of playing for the IPL franchise.

The Kiwi spoke glowingly of the competition in the bowling department of the side saying, “There’s some great quality in the entire squad. Mustafiz has been leading the attack very nicely, well-backed by Bhuvi, who is a neat wicket-taker and Nehra as well. It’s healthy competition.”

When asked about the difference in the bowling styles between him and Mustafizur, Boult said, “We both are entirely different bowlers. I like to think of myself as a more lethal, swing bowler who can take wickets up front whereas he is very skilful with his change of paces. His yorkers are superb as well. But each offers something in a way they can.”

Mustafizur Rahman has been a revelation in this edition of the IPL. His talent was spotted by the Sunrisers and was picked up by them in the IPL auction in February. He has repaid their faith by picking up seven wickets in six matches in the IPL. His last outing against the Rising Pune Supergiants was a rare failure as he conceded twenty-one runs in two overs.

The fast bowler has already provided many special moments in this season's IPL, a case in point being his in-swinging yorker which cleaned up Andre Russell’s stumps. Mustafizur finished that match with sixteen dot balls and conceded only nine runs in his four overs, picking up two wickets and bowling one maiden.

Impressed with the youngster’s performances, Dale Steyn has compared the Bangladeshi to legendary Pakistani fast bowler Wasim Akram in an interview with India Today, “Mustafizur has got the skill set, X-factor Wasim Akram had. I wouldn't say Mustafizur is swinging as much as Akram did but it is fantastic to see him bowl.”

The lanky fast bowler’s star has been on the rise since making his debut against India with a five-wicket haul and helping Bangladesh to a historic series win against India.