Shakib to bat at number 3 against SL, says Tamim
BCB
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Miraz embracing Shakib’s role but doing it his own way
30 Apr 25
Bangladesh ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is set to return at number three position in the upcoming three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka. ODI captain Tamim Iqbal confirmed it to media on Friday, May 21. At the same time, the skipper said the team has high expectations from this left-arm batsman.
When Tamim was questioned if Shakib will return at number three, he said, “Expectations will always be higher. But we have to keep in mind, what Shakib has done in the World Cup is exceptional. I want it to be like that in every match, he also wants it. However, it is not possible in every match. A boy has scored 600 runs in 8-9 matches, which is not what we usually see. I'm sure he'll do well.”
Shakib played at number three in 2019 World Cup where he scored 606 runs in 8 matches with two centuries and five fifties came from his bat.
Bangladesh’s team management tried to play Shakib in the lower order during the ODI series against West Indies to provide experience in the middle order. However, the plan did not work out because Nazmul Hossain Shanto struggled to shine on that spot. As a result, Nazmul was dropped from the squad for the first two ODIs.
When Tamim was asked if the management has lost patience on Shanto, he replied, ‘No I don’t think the (management has lost patience). He played 8-9 ODIs, but unfortunately could not able to perform according to the expectations. But I personally and the team management and the selectors also think that Shanto is our future. It doesn’t end here…”
Tamim believes Shanto has a lot more to give to the team. Apart from this, the ODI captain of said the batsman needs some rest ahead of the domestic cricket.
“As a captain I think Shanto still has a lot to give to the team. Maybe now he needs some rest from this format. Let's make him runs in domestic cricket and come back to the team in a strong way. It's not like we didn't show patience because he was dropped from the series or something," he added.
