Mahedi puzzled over spot in Bangladesh's first-choice XI

Bangladesh all-rounder Mahedi Hasan said he is not sure about his exclusion from the playing XI despite performing regularly in T20s. Mahedi picked 3-25 to help the hosts restrict Ireland to 170 in a match where they looked set to post 200 after racing to 75 in the powerplay.

Bangladesh skipper Litton Kumar Das then hit a brilliant half-century to help the hosts pull off their highest successful T20I run chase at home, leveling the series.

When asked why he has not been a regular in the Bangladesh XI despite strong performances, Mahedi looked dejected. "Actually, maybe the head coach can answer this question. Our captain can answer this," said Mahedi, who has taken 10 wickets in his last five outings.

"Those involved in our team selection can answer this. Look, my job is to play. Regarding the question you asked, it is difficult for me… Let me ask you a question: If you work for a channel one month and another channel the next month, it certainly wouldn't be comfortable for you. The same thing is difficult for me. But I am trying," he said after being overlooked in favour of Nasum Ahmed and Rishad Hossain since the Asia Cup in September.

Mahedi added that he is yet to get a clear message from the team management about his role. "No, this has never been discussed with me (about my role in the team)," he said. "But my job is to play. Playing for Bangladesh is a matter of pride."

Mahedi credited Saifuddin for his 7-ball unbeaten 17 at a vital juncture. Saifuddin has also been in and out of the team due to competition for spots.

"To be honest, Saifuddin is off and on, not a regular player. Also, when the top-order batters perform well, tail-enders don't always get a chance to bat. In international matches, tail-enders sometimes go long periods without batting," said Mahedi.

"If the top order scores heavily, they naturally bat higher up. In that context, Saifuddin coming in after a long gap and producing that innings was outstanding. Those two boundaries in a pressure moment were extremely important for us," he concluded.