Shakib and Shamim react during their time at the crease against Afghanistan on July 16, 2023. Photo: Firoz Ahmed
Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan was in a rush when he arrived at the post-match press conference after the hosts clinched their maiden bilateral T20I series against Afghanistan, beating the visitors by six wickets in the second T20I, as the champion cricketer had to catch a chartered flight to Dhaka from Sylhet later in the night along with Taskin Ahmed and Rashid Khan.
But despite the rush, Shakib did not forget to point out the fact that it was a relief for him to be able to stamp their authority over a strong Afghan side who were the clear favourites prior to the series.
“It’s relieving to see things we have been trying to have worked. There is nothing better than seeing the plan reflected in the way the players executed things and for the result to go our way. It feels good as we did not have a good record against them in T20s till now. As we were able to win the series, especially in such conditions, it will give us confidence for the coming days,” said Shakib, who was player of the series having led the team from the front.
Bangladesh looked a totally different unit in the shortest format as the Shakib-led Bangladesh ensured their third consecutive T20I series.
The likes of Towhid Hridoy and Shamim Hossain have provided the energy and variety in the T20 set up, and according to Shakib, they will have different challenges waiting in different conditions.
“Towhid Hridoy and the others have been with the team and players coming in and going is a continuous process. We still have a lot left to find the best combination but the way we are heading so far, I can say we are on the right path. But there will be new challenges in different conditions and we need to adjust accordingly,” Shakib added.
Under Shakib’s captaincy, Bangladesh have come up with the approach of providing different roles to the players which paid dividends in the last one year or so. Afif Hossain was seen opening the innings yesterday with Liton just as a part of that plan.
“It’s good to have the flexibility in the team, especially in T20s where the number seven batter may have to do the same job as the opener. If an opener bats till the 15th over in one way then he would have to approach the final five overs in a different manner. So, if everyone is able to adjust to different situations then it will not be difficult for batters to cope when a different and more difficult situation arrives. Same goes for the bowlers as well,” Shakib opined.
The Tigers might have lost the three-match ODI series 2-1 but with the upcoming Asia Cup and World Cup in mind, Shakib informed that the confidence of the T20I series win against Afghanistan will help.
“Look, the majority of the players from the ODI side are here and many T20 players will also play the ODIs and they can use this experience in future. We will face Afghanistan in the Asia Cup and the World Cup and if we can take this confidence, it will be good for us,” Shakib asserted.
The champion all-rounder also pointed to the healthy competition among the pacers and spinners in the team which will help the players to develop in the coming days.
