Shanto hopeful to get Shakib against South Africa
Najmul Hossain Shanto and Shakib al Hasan
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Bangladesh's stand-in captain Najmul Hossain Shanto said he is hopeful that Shakib al Hasan will be available against South Africa after their huge defeat over India.
Shanto was forced to take over as captain against India in place of Shakib, who is rehabilitating from a quad injury.
The team's management has been tight-lipped about the severity of Shakib's injury, however, Shanto expressed hope that the all-rounder will be ready to play in Bangladesh's next World Cup encounter against South Africa on October 24 in Mumbai.
"He (Shakib) is recovering well. I am hoping he can be fit for the next match."
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He also stated that if openers Litton Das and Najmul Hossain Shanto had continued after completing their half-centuries the match against India could have ended differently.
Tanzid hit his maiden half-century in ODIs, finishing on 51 off 41 balls, while Liton made 66 off 82 balls. After that only Mahmudullah Riyad fought to reach 256.
"Tanzid batted really well and all the fast bowlers bowled pretty well. But we did not finish well (with the bat). If Tanzid and Litton could've batted longer, could have been a different ballgame. Hopefully, in the next game, our batters can take responsibility," Shanto said.
