Shakib ordinary as Galle Titans suffer fourth defeat

Shakib Al Hasan celebrates with his Galle Titans teammates. Photo: Facebook

Bangladesh’s premier all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan could not make much of an impact with either bat or ball on Friday as his Lanka Premier League side Galle Titans suffered a seven-wicket defeat against Dambulla Aura in Colombo. 

On a day that Shakib was confirmed as Bangladesh’s captain of the ODI side for the upcoming Asia Cup later this month and the World Cup in India later this year, which in turn saw him become the skipper of all three formats of the Tigers, the all-rounder produced an ordinary display on the field. 

After scoring a run-a-ball 13 to see Galle Titans post a modest 133 for nine, Shakib returned figures of one for 20 in four overs. Despite economical figures with the ball in hand, a small target and Avishka Fernando’s unbeaten 70 saw Dambulla Aura cruise over the line with 14 deliveries to spare. 

This was Galle Titans’ fourth defeat in six games as they sulk at the bottom of the five-team table with just two wins.