Shakib Al Hasan finally showed form as he struck a match-winning half-century for Bangladesh that helped them move closer towards sealing a Super Eight berth in the ongoing 2024 T20 World Cup. Riding on Shakib’s unbeaten 64, Bangladesh set Netherlands 160 to win and went on to win by 25 runs on Thursday.
Prior to his player-of-the-match award winning performance, Shakib was heavily criticised by India legend Virender Sehwag who suggested that the allrounder shouldn’t be playing T20Is anymore.
“He shouldn’t be playing T20Is. You are such an senior player, you have been captain before and your stats are such. Should feel ashamed just announce that you are retiring from T20 format. I myself told selectors to not pick me for T20Is after realising I wasn’t able to hit a few bowlers at will. I feel his time has already passed.” Sehwag had said on Cricbuzz.
Also Read: PAK’s Super 8 Qualification Hinges on Weather
Sehwag’s comments came after Bangladesh lost to South Africa in their second Group D match in which Shakib was out on 3 while attempting to play a pull shot of fast bowler Anrich Nortje.
“At least spend some time on this wicket. It’s is not like you are (Matthew) Hayden or (Adam) Gilchrist who can play a pull shot (well). You represent Bangladesh and play accordingly. Hook or pull aren’t your shots, so just play the strokes that you know,” Sehwag said.
On Thursday, when asked about the comments made by Sehwag, Shakib first double-checked the query from the reporter by asking “who” the critic was before stating answering questions isn’t a player’s job.
“A player never comes to answer any questions (on field),” Shakib said. “A player’s job is to bat for the team if he’s a batsman and contribute to the team. If he is a bowler, his job is to bowl well. The wicket is about luck. If he is a fielder, he should save each run and take as many catches as he can. Here, actually, there’s nothing to answer for anyone.”
“I think it is important for a current player (to see) how much he can contribute to his team. When he can’t contribute, then naturally there would be discussions and I don’t think it is a bad thing,” he added.
Shakib said he has never played for himself and always put the team ahead.
“I don’t think I have ever thought about personal goals. I have always thought about how I can contribute to the team. If I were playing for personal achievement, I would have batted in a different way. I have been able to bat the way I needed to bat for the sake of the team. That is what is satisfying for me,” he said.
Bangladesh next face Nepal on Sunday and a win will be enough for them to enter the round.
Stay updated with the latest from T20 World Cup 2024. Explore T20 World Cup Match Today. Check Updated list of Highest-run getters and Highest Wicket-Takers In T20 World Cup 2024. Check T20 World Cup 2024 Points Table and players with the Most Sixes, Most Fours , Most Fifties And Most HundredsIn T20 World Cup 2024.
Comments
0 comment