Shakib Al Hasan Silences Critics with Stunning 64* Against Netherlands: Responds to Virender Sehwag’s Comments
After facing a lot of criticism for his performances in the ongoing T20 World Cup, Bangladesh’s star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan was at his best on Thursday, playing a match-winning knock against the Netherlands. The experienced cricketer brought up his 13th T20 international fifty, knocking an unbeaten 64 from 46 balls, laced with nine boundaries. The win not only brought Bangladesh closer to the Super 8 stage but also was an emphatic reply to former India cricketer Virender Sehwag’s reaction that Shakib should not play IPL. A video is viral, here is the clip of that video.
As Sehwag suggested Shakib has no place in T20 cricket anymore and he should have retired by now. : On Cricbuzz, Sehwag spoke about the man, saying, “In the last World Cup, I was a little bit like, ‘now, don’t select him in T20. Retired long ago, growing old. You are that senior player, the captain of this team. Actually, you should be ashamed of your recent numbers. To top it all, Sehwag went on to slam one other poor show from Shakib by claiming “Shakib ho na Shakib ho, but Adam Gilchrist or Mathew Hayden tu nahi hai! You are not great in hooks and pulls. You are a Bangladeshi player. You play to your strength.
To these cold sentences, Shakib Al Hasan had given a befitting reply on the ground. Shakib hit the match-winning innings against the Netherlands & after his match, he was asked about Sehwag’s statement. In response, the 37-year-old, offered, Just-who? Well, that’s the message he conveyed. At the post-match conference, Shakib dashed the importance of a talking battle saying that as a player it is their job to do well for the team and not to get involved in a verbal battle. “Don’t think for a second that a player comes to answer any questions. As a player the only job is to bat if you are a batsman, and if he contributes even then it is very good for that team. If he is a bowler he has to bowl well,’ Shakib said. He later added: “Actually, there’s nothing to answer here, for anyone. It is more about having value to a team, as a current player. If he was no longer able to contribute, then I think there would be discussion, and I don’t think that is a bad thing.
Bangladesh set a competitive total against the Netherlands in their pursuit to make it through to the Super 8 stage. A mostly responsible 64* by Shakib meant they eventually bequeathed a challenging target. The total was not a very high score, but the disciplined bowling led by Mustafizur Rahman and young spinner Rishad Hossain was enough to restrict the Indians. Summary: Shakib mulls over Bangladesh’s gameplan, saying: ‘Someone from the top four had to carry on throughout the innings it was important’ Quite pleased with the batting that I did. It was not a simple wicket during the beginning of the innings. We stuck to our gun and got a good score. It was the combined effort of Bangladesh’s bowlers that helped the side defend the total. Bowlers chipped in perfectly particularly the Fizz (Mustafizur Rahman), and the teenager Rishad. Shakib further commented, “Both of those two bowlers won the game for the Netherlands.
This win takes Bangladesh to four points from three games. They must now beat Nepal in the next game to ensure a Super 8 spot. The effort of Shakib has certainly lifted the morale of the team and also made some critics sit back who had questioned his position in the squad. It’s been a wonderful journey over the years in the T20 World Cup, with Shakib. So far, he has 1979 runs and 135 wickets in T20 internationals and is one of the most successful all-rounders in the history of the format. His experience and the skills he possesses are quite beneficial to any Bangladesh team, especially in tournaments like T20 World Cup.
Shakib Al Hasan – (Photo by A.M. Ahad)Volume 90% He has given the team some memorable performances both with the bat and the ball and has been an essential player for the team for more than a decade now. His leadership and experience are critical, especially in mentoring younger players and keeping team spirits up. His experience has been invaluable in the current T20 World Cup. His temperament and match-winning abilities make him irreplaceable. The veteran cricketer has always been committed to the game and his nation, something that is visible in every game he takes to the field.
A fine all-round performance by Shakib Al Hasan in his side’s triumph over the Netherlands means that we cannot rule out Bangladesh breaking through, and this match is a perfect example of resilience and skill. Shakib has proved that he still has plenty of offers to Bangladesh cricket but not everyone is happy including former players like Virender Sehwag. With a match-winning performance that not only took his team closer to the Super 8 stage but also underlined his stake as one of the finest allrounders in T20 cricket. Shakib will be expected to carry his rich vein of form and confidence to the coming games as Bangladesh get ready for their match against Nepal. The team, along with the fans, would be praying… hoping to see further one-man shows from the superstar, ensuring progress into the T20 World Cup. As it turned out, Shakib Al Hasan himself has given the best possible answer to all the negativity surrounding him as he continues to show that deeds are greater than words.
