Najmul Hossain Shanto in awe as Shakib Al Hasan rises above murder allegations to destroy Pakistan

Published - 26 Aug 2024, 03:25 PM | Updated - 27 Aug 2024, 11:11 AM

Najmul Hossain Shanto Shakib Al Hasan
Najmul Hossain Shanto Shakib Al Hasan. Image Credits: X

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has lauded senior cricketer Shakib Al Hasan for his brilliant bowling performance that helped Bangladesh clinch their first-ever Test win over Pakistan.

Shakib bowled a match-winning spell of 3-44 in Pakistan's second innings to turn the match in Bangladesh's favor. He dismissed Abdullah Shafique, Saud Shakeel, and Naseem Shah during his spell of 17 overs.

But things haven't been all easy for the veteran Bangladesh all-rounder lately. Recently, he was named as an accused in an alleged murder case of a garment factory worker, who was killed on August 5 in Dhaka's Abador during the protests in Bangladesh.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) was also sent a legal notice by a Supreme Court lawyer on August 24, demanding Shakib Al Hasan's removal from the Bangladesh cricket team.

Also read: "When I played PSL...": Kevin Pietersen in disbelief over Pakistan Cricket’s downfall

Najmul Hossain Shanto hails Shakib Al Hasan for his brilliance

While speaking after the first Test win over Pakistan, Najmul Hossain Shanto praised Shakib Al Hasan for showing immense professionalism and pushing all personal problems aside to perform for his country.

"When he takes the field to represent the country, from what I understand, he is very dedicated as a person. He does everything that's required to win.

"He pushes everything in his personal life to one side to think and focus on what he can do for the team, what he can do to help a junior cricketer and things like that. He can do these sorts of things in a unique way," Shanto was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

"To be in a situation like that (being accused in a murder case) and still be able to bring out a performance like that and to give his inputs, especially in bowling is outstanding. This is what we expect from him and hopefully, in the next game we get something even better," the Bangladesh captain added.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz provides perfect support

Alongside Shakib Al Hasan, his spin bowling partner Mehidy Hasan Miraz picked up 4-21. The off-spinner was effective on a fifth-day pitch and got the big wickets of Mohammad Rizwan and Agha Salman. Miraz also helped Bangladesh in dismissing Pakistan's tailenders cheaply.

Meanwhile, newly crowned BCB president Faruque Ahmed had stated that a decision on Shakib Al Hasan will be taken after the first Test against Pakistan. According to Cricbuzz, the BCB will meet on Monday and make a final decision on the veteran cricketer.

Shakib Al Hasan's record in international cricket

Shakib Al Hasan is easily the best cricketer to have emerged from Bangladesh. The 37-year-old has played 68 Tests, 247 ODIs, and 129 T20Is for Bangladesh.

Alongside being a dependable batter, he is a fine left-arm spinner as well. He has scored close to 15000 runs and picked up more than 700 wickets in his international career.

With a win in the first Test, Bangladesh have taken a 1-0 lead in the series. The second Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh will be played on the same ground from August 30. Pakistan needs to win this match at any cost if they aim to level the series.

Tagged:

Bangladesh National Cricket Team Pakistan national cricket team Shakib AL Hasan Najmul Hossain Shanto BAN vs PAK Bangladesh vs Pakistan PAK vs BAN 2024 Pakistan vs Bangladesh 2024 Bangladesh tour of Pakistan 2024
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