Bangladesh’s World Cup dream may have ended after Tuesday’s defeat to India but ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is carrying on his terrific World Cup form with both the bat and ball. He has been stealing the show from time to time and has been a one man army for his team. The 32-year old all-rounder has been in exquisite form in this World Cup, having already smashed two hundreds and three fifties in the mega event.
On Tuesday, Shakib became the first player in the history of World Cup to score 500 runs and pick 10-plus wickets in a single edition. Only Scott Styris 499 runs and nine wickets in the 2007 World Cup come close to Shakib’s numbers. After his 74-ball 66 against India, Shakib has scored 542 runs in seven innings. The Bangladesh all-rounder says his preparation and hard work before the tournament have been the secret of his overwhelming success with the bat and ball. Moving up to No. 3 in the batting order has been a big part of his revival and the impact he’s had on his team. His unbeaten 124 against the West Indies was the catalyst to Bangladesh successfully chasing down 321 against the West Indies in Taunton.
Over the course of the tournament, He has become the fourth Bangladesh batsman to complete 6000 runs in ODI cricket. He also became the fastest to the double of 250 wickets and 6000 runs, getting there in 202 matches, 92 better than the next best (294 by Shahid Afridi). Shakib Al Hasan has been simply amazing in this World Cup. Rohit Sharma with his scintillating hundreds and Mitchell Starc with his flurry of wickets will probably take home the player-of-the-tournament award, but Shakib’s 542 runs and 11 wickets so far, unmatched numbers by any all-rounder in World Cup history, makes him the most impactful player in the tournament.
Shakib’s class and elegance is unmatched with other Bangladeshi players. And his dedication and skill is the biggest hope for Bangladesh cricket team going forward. He is undoubtedly setting examples for the young players in Bangladesh.
