Shakib Al Hasan reveals lofty goal for Bangladesh
The Tigers' fielding shone brightly as Bangladesh successfully defended a decent total of 158/2 against England in Mirpur on Tuesday to clinch an impressive 3-0 series sweep over the reigning ICC Men’s T20 World Cup champions.
It was Bangladesh’s first T20I series victory over England and Shakib believes it bodes well for next year's T20 World Cup that is scheduled to be held in the USA and the West Indies.
Shakib Al Hasan's journey through the eight T20 World Cups | T20WC 2022
Shakib said Bangladesh's fielding during the series had been crucial to the outcome and that he wants his side to build on that and become the best fielding team in the whole of Asia.
"Everyone noticed our fielding in these three matches. We out-fielded England, who are themselves a good fielding side. It is a big tick mark. Our biggest improvement is in our fielding, when I consider every aspect," Shakib said.
"We should always field well, but we have targeted to become the best fielding side in Asia. After this performance, I don't think we are too far behind."
Shakib Al Hasan with the golden arm
Bangladesh's victory in the third T20I of the series was built around a solid half-century for experienced opener Litton Das, who amassed 73 from just 57 deliveries in a valuable 55-run opening partnership with Rony Talkukdar who was playing just his fourth T20I.
"We didn't know how much runs were enough on this pitch. So we were very open-minded," Shakib noted.
"We first thought 140 was a good score. Then we got to a stage when we thought 170-180 would be our total. We didn't get many runs in the last five overs, but we batted well in the powerplay and middle overs.
"They have seven or eight proper bowlers so we had to struggle at least once in the innings.
"The way Rony and Litton started, and then Shanto and Litton build the innings, especially their running between the wickets, it was outstanding. The way they turned ones into twos and twos into threes, it put England under pressure."
