We are aware about Shakib’s presence- Ross Taylor
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|| CF Correspondent ||
New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor said that they aware of Shakib al Hasan presence as they prepare to take on Tigers on June 5. Shakib had always been a consistent performer against New Zealand and Bangladesh will be looking forward to keep it up when they take on Kiwis in their second game after winning the opening game against South Africa.
Shakib was the key man when Bangladesh upset South Africa by 21 runs in their opening match on Sunday. His composed 75 helped steer Bangladesh to their highest one-day international total of 330 for six before the spinner took 1-50 to restrict South Africa to 309-8.
That wicket made Shakib only the fifth player behind Sri Lanka’s Sanath Jayasuriya, South African Jacques Kallis, and Pakistan pair Shahid Afridi and Abdul Razzaq to reach the landmark of 5,000 runs and 250 wickets in ODIs.
The 32-year-old’s next challenge comes at the Oval against a New Zealand side who crushed Sri Lanka by 10 wickets in their opening match.
Shakib has experience of upsetting the Black Caps after inspiring their five-wicket win over New Zealand in the 2017 Champions Trophy with the most recent of his seven ODI hundreds.
"We know how they can play and Shakib does add a lot more to the balance of their side as well,’’ Taylor said.
Bangladesh missed Shakib when a finger injury ruled him out of the ODI series in New Zealand earlier this year, in which they were routed 3-0 by the hosts and the all-rounder hopes Bangladesh will put up a tougher fight against New Zealand this time.
