Shakib spins Bangladesh to win on International return

Publish: 10:14 PM, January 20, 2021 | Update: 10:14 PM, January 20, 2021

DHAKA, – Ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan made his comeback match a memorable one by producing a stellar performance which was catalyst in Bangladesh’s facile six-wicket win over West Indies in the opening game of the three-match ODI series here at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium today.

Shakib, who was back after being given a two-year ban by the International Cricket Council in October 2019 with one year suspended, for failing to report approaches from a bookmaker, claimed 4-8 in 7.2 overs with his wily left-arm spin to rip through Caribbean batting line up.

Debutant Hasan Mahmud with 3-28 and his fellow fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman with 2-20 played a key role as West Indies was dismissed for a paltry 122 in 32.2 overs in rain-hit game.

Chasing a moderate target, Bangladesh though faced a hiccup, raced to the victory, reaching 125-4 with 97 balls to spare.

It was Bangladesh’s first match after a nine-month layoff due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In addition to make a winning-return, they also kicked off their ICC Super League campaign that will determine which teams qualify for the 2023 World Cup in India, with good note.

Mustafizur Rahman and debutant Hasan Mahmud hit the ball in good areas continuously to leave the visitors in dazed state before Shakib appeared in the stage.

Rain put a brake on the game for about an hour after Bangladesh sent West Indies, playing with six ODI debutants, in batting.

Mustafizur broke through with the wicket of opener Sunil Ambris (7), one of the most experienced players in this vastly inexperienced side before the rain break, with the Caribbean at 15-1.

After the game resumed, Mustafizur again was rewarded for his tight length, dismissing Joshua Da Silva (9), caught beautifully at gully by Liton Das.

Shakib Al Hasan bowled seven overs in a row to cut through the middle order as West Indies lost three wickets for just 11 runs.

Kyle Mayers resisted and got Rovman Powell in his company, showing West Indies a glimmer of hope against the adversities.

Powell even struck Mustafizur Rahman and Rubel Hossain a six through mid-wicket to make his intension clear.

But Hasan Mahmud further put West Indies in trouble with a double strike that saw him taking the outside edge of Powell for 28 for his debut wicket before trapping Raymon Reifer in immediate next delivery for naught.

Mayers after scoring team’s highest 40, was undone by Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s delivery that spun sharply.

His dismissal effectively routed West Indies’ way to score a good total on the board.

Shakib and Hasan Mahmud then cleaned up the tail to give Bangladeshi batsmen a small total to chase.

Skipper Tamim Iqbal, playing his first game after being appointed as regular ODI captain of Bangladesh in March and Liton Das made a steady start but West Indies spinners stifled them for runs.

They hit the probing line and length consistently that resulted in the wicket of Liton, who after scoring 14, found him in wanting against turning delivery of debutant leg-spinner Akeal Hosein.

Nazmul Hossain Shanto, replacing Shakib at No.3 position, also was undone by the young leg-spinner for 1.

Shakib joined Tamim to resist the spinners even though they looked not so comfortable in the crease.

Skipper Jason Mohammed outfoxed his opposite number for his first wicket in 29 matches as Tamim played against the off spin, only to be stumped for 44 off 67, that included seven fours.

Akeal kept the things tight at the other end and rewarded further with the wicket of Shakib, who scored 19, to finish with 3-26 in 10 overs.

At this point, it looked West Indies could have a chance to win the game should they amass some runs more on the board.

However, any West Indies hope of producing miracle was shut down by Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah as they sailed the side home without further fuss.

Mushfiqur who ensured the victory with a reverse-swept boundary past third man was not out on 19, with Mahmudullah on 9.

Brief Score:

West Indies 122 all out in 32.2 overs (Kyle Mayers 40, Rovman Powell 28, Jason Mohammed 17, Andre McCarthy 12; Shakib Al Hasan 4-8, Hasan Mahmud 3-28, Mustafizur 2-20)

Bangladesh 125-4 in 33.5 overs (Tamim Iqbal 44, Mushfiqur Rahim 19 not out, Shakib 19; Akeal Hosein 3-26, Jason Mohammed 1-19)

Result: Bangladesh wins by 6 wickets