The six that announced Saif

He lifts his back foot and, with a graceful flick of the wrist, sends the ball pitched on leg stump soaring into the stands. That six off Sri Lanka pacer Nuwan Thushara by Bangladesh opener Saif Hassan in the Asia Cup Super Four opener in Dubai on Saturday has since gone viral.

How did he generate such power without much of a backlift? Observers noted that by lifting his back foot, Saif balanced on the front, channeling strength into the shot.

For many, this ability of Saif was unknown. His inclusion in the T20 squad was itself a surprise, sparking questions in several quarters. Credit goes to the selectors -- they must have seen something in him.

Against Sri Lanka, chasing 169, Bangladesh lost Tanzid Tamim for just 1 in the opening over. Usually, such situations make the Tigers go into their shell. Saif, however, counterattacked, putting the pressure back on the Lankans.

From his early days, Saif was known as a technically correct batter, seemingly destined for red-ball cricket. His first international chance also came in Tests. But that journey turned sour – across six matches, he never crossed fifty, averaging just 14.45. Questions grew louder: was he ready for the highest level?

His T20I debut was nothing short of dramatic. After Bangladesh's collapse in the 2021 T20 World Cup, the team went through sweeping changes. Then, team director Khaled Mahmud Sujon brought Saif into the T20 setup. The move raised eyebrows, as Saif failed to deliver. "Why Saif?" became an uncomfortable question for the selectors.

The only other three games he played were in the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou. Since the senior team wasn't involved, those appearances hardly counted.

His real return came just before this Asia Cup, when he was suddenly fielded against the Netherlands. It wasn't as though he had excelled in the last Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) -- he scored 306 runs in 13 matches at an average of 25.50 and a strike rate of 119.06.

His selection, however, was justified by versatility -- he could bat both at the top and in the middle, while also offering off-spin. Over recent months, Saif developed himself as a T20 cricketer. In his comeback game against the Dutch, he gave a glimpse of his hitting with a 19-ball 36.

In this tournament, the full picture emerged -- Saif struck four sixes against Sri Lanka, each with authority. His improved fitness was evident, and his steady head allowed clean, powerful timing.

When the Test doors shut on him, Saif could easily have drifted away. But coaches and confidants reminded him his potential wasn't limited to red-ball cricket.

Now, hope surrounds the 26-year-old. The Pakistan and Indian media are suddenly curious -- "Who is Saif Hassan? How did he rise?"

With attention comes scrutiny. Opponents will study his strengths and weaknesses. New challenges lie ahead. For Saif, the task will be to adjust himself through the challenges and make the most of it, just like he did with that six.