'Dangerous Side...,' Shakib Al Hasan Makes Big Claim Before the World Cup

image-lmkxhf8uShakib Al Hasan (Source: X/ACC)

Bangladesh's long-time servant and captain Shakib Al Hasan played an all-round role for his side in the Super 4 clash against India in the ongoing Asia Cup 2023, leading them to victory by a margin of just six runs in another final-over thriller.

Bangladesh batted well to post 265 on the board, with skipper Shakib scoring a fine 80 and Towhid Hridoy supporting him well with 54. In reply, India lost wickets early in clusters, with captain Rohit Sharma departing for a duck in the first over.

However, Gill took the onus in his hands to rotate strike alongside hitting occasional boundaries, smashing eight fours and five sixes to score 121, but still couldn't help his side clear the line. Shakib bowled well, too, as he bagged a wicket while giving away 43 runs to bowl India out for 259.

Post-match, Shakib, who was announced as the player of the match for his valiant effort, mentioned that the side wanted to give a chance to fringe players for this game—adding that the wicket for today's match was a bit difficult but became better to bat with every over.

"Yes, we gave the guys a chance who haven't played much. After last couple of games, we thought spinners will do well. Today, I went early and had time to spend on the crease. It was a challenging wicket. It was seaming a bit, and it got easier when the ball got older,"

Praising his bowlers, the skipper referred to Mahedi Hasan and debutant Tanzim Hasan Sakib's spell as crucial due to their wicket-taking abilities. Further claiming that they are a dangerous team for the World Cup to be held in India next month.

"(On Mahedi Hasan) It wasn't an easy time to bowl, he came to bowl and got us the breakthrough. He also bowled five overs at the end which is not easy. Also, Tanzim bowled well at the start and took two wickets. We have got a very good team. A lot of players injured, and some going in and out, that didn't help us. I think we will be a dangerous side in the World Cup."

Bangladesh's journey in this Asia Cup is over, whereas the Indian side will go on to play the tournament's finals against Sri Lanka on 17th September.