Cricket Enthusiast’s Delight: Shakib Al Hasan Shines in Bangladesh’s Triumph over Netherlands
After a slow start to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, senior allrounder Shakib Al Hasan found his groove, scoring a crucial unbeaten 64 off 46 balls to lead Bangladesh to a 25-run victory over the Netherlands in a vital group fixture. This crucial win puts Bangladesh in an excellent position to advance to the Super Eights stage ahead of their final league encounter against Nepal on Monday.
Shakib’s return to form was timely, as he had managed just 8 and 3 runs in his first two matches of the tournament. However, in the clash against the Netherlands, the experienced campaigner shattered his 19-match streak without a half-century, providing the backbone for Bangladesh’s 159-run total.
“It was important for someone from the top four to bat throughout the innings,” Shakib said after being named the Player of the Match. “Happy with the way I contributed. It wasn’t an easy wicket [to bat on] but we held our nerves and put on a decent total.”
Shakib’s counterattacking innings, accompanied by a brisk 48-run partnership with Tanzid Hasan, put Bangladesh in the driver’s seat as they navigated a surface that slowed down considerably as the match progressed. The late flourish from Mahmudullah and Jaker Ali ensured Bangladesh posted a challenging total.
The Netherlands kept the chase alive for the first 14 overs, thanks to impressive knocks from Vikramjit Singh and Sybrand Engelbrecht. However, the turning point came when legspinner Rishad Hossain dismissed Engelbrecht and Bas de Leede in quick succession to tilt the balance in Bangladesh’s favor.
“They [Netherlands] had their moments,” Shakib acknowledged. “In the 12th over, they were close to 90 for 3. Ten an over from there on this wicket with the wind going one way, it wasn’t easy to restrict them but credit to our bowlers for the way they held their nerve.”
This crucial victory, propelled by Shakib’s heroics, not only puts Bangladesh in a strong position to progress in the tournament but also showcases the team’s resilience and the veteran all-rounder’s continued importance in the side’s success.
🔗 Source