Strikers star Rashid Khan says fellow Agfhan Mujeeb ur Rahman is Heat secret BBL weapon

WHY Brisbane ‘bash brothers’ Brendon McCullum and Chris Lynn are familiar foes but superstar Rashid Khan has placed Adelaide on red alert for teenage compatriot Mujeeb ur Rahman.

Adelaide Strikers' star leg-spinner Rashid Khan was T20's most exciting leg-spinner and Strikers MVP last season. Picture: Bianca De Marchi

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Brisbane ‘bash brothers’ Brendon McCullum and Chris Lynn are familiar foes but superstar Rashid Khan has placed Adelaide on red alert for teenage compatriot Mujeeb ur Rahman.

The Strikers begin their Big Bash League title defence at the Gabba on Wednesday night with premier Twenty20 tweaker Rashid emphasising the threat of Afghan mystery spinner Mujeeb.

“It is his first time playing in Australia. He has done well wherever he has played, in every competition and for the country,” said leg-spinner Rashid of 17-year-old Mujeeb, the youngest player to sign a full BBL deal.

Australian paceman Andrew Tye topped the 2018 IPL wicket-tally with 24 wickets at 18.6 in 14 games for Kings XI ahead of Rashid’s 21 at 21 for Sunrisers Hyderabad. Mujeeb was next on the Sunrisers’ tally with 14 at 20.6 in 11 games – mesmerising opposition with his curious fusion of leg-spin and off-spin including a serious carrom ball.

“I wish him the very best, is capable, has the varieties, talent. I believe in him, is a world class spinner,” said Rashid, backing the Afghan teammate who routinely takes the new ball in limited overs cricket.

“We are so lucky to be in the Big Bash and it will help us prepare for the World T20 here in 2020.”

Lynn enters BBL 08 with a competition record 102 sixes while 101-Test legend McCullum has cleared the fence 564 times in domestic and T20 international games.

Rashid – from war-torn Afghanistan’s deadliest province Nangarhar - respects but doesn’t fear the Heat’s prodigious stroke-players.

“I have played against them lots of times, it will be a good match. You need to do the simple things, get the basics right rather than worrying about getting hit for sixes,” said Rashid, who figured in Afghanistan’s maiden Test against India at Bangalore in June.

“I just need to be positive. We know how to play each other. I am very excited.”

Rashid was instrumental in Adelaide’s inaugural BBL title with 18 wickets at 13 but missed the final triumph against Hobart on one-day duty for Afghanistan.

“It was a good debut year, the performance was excellent and the best thing we became the champion,” Rashid told The Advertiser.

“If we make the final this year I play the final. We take it game by game but the focus is being champion.”

Living up to the reputation as cricket’s premier T20 spinner and quest for back-to-back BBL titles serves as inspiration rather than millstone for Rashid.

“I don’t think I will have pressure on myself but expectation gives you more focus on the game, makes you improve whether batting, bowling or fielding at 100 per cent,” said Rashid, the first Afghan to feature in the BBL.

“It feels good to be No.1 but my plan is to be consistent and No.1 for as long as I can.”

Rashid has had 20 days off from cricket this year combining international commitments with stints in Indian, Caribbean, Afghan and South African T20 leagues

Hitting pause is anathema to Rashid, saying: “When you enjoy the game you are not someone who wants a rest. I am someone who enjoys playing everywhere.”

Rashid can’t wait to get the Adelaide band back together with Australian T20 stars including keeper-batsman Alex Carey and spearhead Billy Stanlake at the Gabba.

“The way Alex kept to me was outstanding. It is very difficult for a keeper here as it is bouncy,” said Rashid.

“He was rewarded for the ODI side and I would like to see him opening for Australia.

“It is always nice to bowl with Billy. He is very quick

“Guys like Alex, Bill and Travis Head are great and teammates who always keep you fresh.”

Heat v Strikers

Wednesday, 6.45pm

Gabba

Heat squad:

Chris Lynn (c), Max Bryant, Joe Burns, Ben Cutting, Brendan Doggett, Sam Heazlett, Josh Lalor, Brendon McCullum, James Pattinson, James Peirson, Mark Steketee, Mitchell Swepson, Mujeeb Ur Rahman.

Strikers squad

Colin Ingram (c) Alex Carey (wk), Rashid Khan, Ben Laughlin, Jake Lehmann, Michael Neser, Liam O’Connor, Matt Short, Peter Siddle, Billy Stanlake, Cameron Valente., Jake Weatherald., Jon Wells

Originally published as Strikers star Rashid Khan says fellow Agfhan Mujeeb ur Rahman is Heat secret BBL weapon