Don't need to practise specifically for sixes as I’ve muscle memory: Sabbir

Sabbir Rahman will be looking to carry his renewed confidence into the upcoming Hong Kong Sixes 2026 after ending an eight-year wait for a first-class century on Tuesday during the second round of the National Cricket League (NCL).

The 34-year-old is set to represent Bangladesh in the six-a-side tournament, which begins on October 30, with the side drawn in Group B alongside Scotland and Sri Lanka.

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Sabbir will be joined by Abu Hider Rony, Habibur Rahman Sohan, Mrittunjoy Chowdhury, Samiun Basir, Ahrar Amin and Chowdhury Md Rizwan.

Ahead of the tournament, Sabbir rediscovered his touch with a brilliant 113 for Rajshahi Division against Khulna Division at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. His knock, which came off 221 balls and featured eight fours and a six, was his fifth first-class ton.

Sabbir's previous first-class hundred came in 2018, when he scored 165 for Bangladesh A in the opening unofficial Test against Sri Lanka A in Chattogram. That remains his highest score in the format.

His latest century also helped Rajshahi secure a draw against Khulna, leaving them with two draws from as many matches in the ongoing NCL season.

Asked after the match about his preparations for the Hong Kong Sixes and whether he had set any specific targets, Sabbir responded with a characteristic touch of humour.

“No, on a 30-foot ground, what other target could there be, brother?” he asked.

“Actually, I don't have any specific target. But I'll try to hit as many sixes as possible during the six-over game. That format is all about hitting sixes.

“I already have the muscle memory for hitting sixes, so I don't need to practise specifically for that. I still have two more NCL matches to play, and my target is to finish them well and head into the next stage with good confidence,” he said.

Once renowned for his big-hitting ability and a regular feature in Bangladesh's white-ball setup, Sabbir has been out of the national team for a considerable period. He last played for the Tigers in a T20I against Pakistan in Christchurch in 2022 during a tri-series, also involving New Zealand.  

The experienced batter, however, remains determined to earn a recall.

“Actually, the national team is always the ultimate goal. Right now, I'm focusing on the NCL. Before playing in the NCL, I trained and played matches in England, so I have some experience with red-ball cricket. I'm trying to make the most of the time I get in the middle and score runs. Scoring runs helps build your confidence, and that confidence brings you closer to achieving your goal.

“So, I'm focused on scoring runs and making as much of an impact for the team as possible. Alhamdulillah, I'm trying my best,” he added.