Former Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza shocked the country’s cricket fraternity on Sunday by bowling off-spin instead of pace while playing for Legends of Rupganj in the ongoing Dhaka Premier League during their match against Abahani Limited at BKSP-3.

The veteran pacer is the highest wicket-taker among all Bangladeshi pacers in one-day internationals, scalping 270 wickets from 220 games.

But he chose not to deliver a single fast bowl and bowled off-spin instead against the table toppers in the third round of the ongoing Super League phase of DPL and finished with 1-41 in his seven overs.

However, Mashrafe told New Age that he opted for spin bowling due to his ankle injury and didn’t know if he could get over the injury before Rupganj’s next match.

‘I have been suffering from an ankle injury, so I opted for spin bowling in place of pace,’ Mashrafe told New Age on Sunday.

‘I don’t know whether I will be able to overcome the strain before the next tie [May 10].’

The 39-year-old featured in 13 games in the ongoing DPL while claiming 17 wickets at an economy of 5.49.

Meanwhile, there is ongoing speculation among cricket experts and fans that this season of DPL might be the last for him considering his age and fitness.

Mashrafe, who played the last time for Bangladesh on March 6, 2020, against Zimbabwe in Sylhet, was unwilling to comment on this matter.

‘Let’s see. Pray for me.’

However, despite resorting to spin bowling, Mashrafe couldn’t avoid defeat for his side against the former champions Abahani, and now Rupganj are holding the third spot in the points table with 18 points from 14 games.

Rupganj made a baffling start after opting to bat, as they lost their top three batsmen inside the power play.

Rupganj finally scored 230 all-out in 47.2 overs, riding on Chirag Jani’s 50, Jawad Royen’s 46, and Mashrafe’s 22-ball 26.

Ripon Mondol scalped 4-45 for Abahani.

In reply, Abahani reached 233-6 in 40 overs, thanks to Mahmudul Hasan Joy’s 67 and Mohammad Naim’s 56.

Abahani maintained their top spot with the win, bagging 26 points from 14 ties.

In the day’s other game at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, defending champions Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club registered a 13-run victory over Prime Bank Cricket Club to bolster their second spot in the points table with 24 points from the equal number of games.

Saif Hasan scored 83, while skipper Nurul Hasan Sohan hit 53 to propel Sk Jamal to 276-6.

Kashif Bhatti claimed 3-23 for Prime Bank.

In reply, Prime Bank were bowled out for 262, with Prantik Nawrose Nabil hitting the highest 75.

Shafiqul Islam was the peak among the Sheikh Jamal bowlers, claiming 3-44.

Meanwhile, Mohammedan Sporting Club scripted a 20-run win over Gazi Group Cricketers in Fatullah, which guided them to secure the fifth position surpassing Gazi Group.