The moment Bangladesh cricket had long awaited may have finally arrived. In Shakib Al Hasan, the nation has found the hero it desperately needed—a beacon of hope and a symbol of victory who seems destined to lift the team's fortunes to new heights. Charismatic and determined, Shakib's leadership and brilliance on the field have earned him an iconic status, solidifying his place not just as a player, but as the torchbearer of Bangladesh’s cricketing future.
His performance in the fourth ODI against New Zealand at Mirpur was nothing short of poetic—a captain at the peak of his powers, leading his side with both bat and ball, eclipsing his Kiwi counterpart Daniel Vettori in what can be described as a battle of the all-round titans. With his decisive and majestic contribution, Shakib propelled Bangladesh to one of its most cherished victories against a top-tier cricketing nation. The Kiwis, formidable though they were, appeared bewildered in the face of Shakib’s dominance.
At 35 for 3, Bangladesh’s innings teetered on the edge of collapse. The early wickets had left the team in disarray, and the moment demanded a steady hand, a leader who could salvage the innings. Shakib, the pride of Magura, stepped into the breach. His response was one of calm authority. In partnership with Imrul Kayes, he anchored the innings with a 53-run stand, bringing a sense of stability. When that partnership was broken, he found support in Mushfiqur Rahim, adding another 51 runs, though their alliance was tragically cut short by poor running between the wickets. Yet, Shakib remained resolute, determined to guide his team out of trouble.
It was after the initial turbulence had passed that Shakib’s bat truly began to speak. His off-side drives were a masterclass in elegance and precision, each stroke commanding respect from the bowlers. The spinners, often a threat, found no purchase against him, as he played with ease, deftly manipulating the field. Alongside Mahmudullah Riyad, Shakib added a further 68 runs, putting the Tigers back in the game.
What stood out most was not just his ability to score but how he rotated the strike, keeping the scoreboard ticking. Shakib’s innings was one of craftsmanship, a carefully constructed masterpiece that culminated in his fifth ODI century in the 41st over. His departure came with the sense that he had laid the groundwork for a formidable total, but the rest of the batting lineup faltered, and Bangladesh’s innings closed at 241 all out.
New Zealand’s reply began with cautious optimism, but the Tigers’ bowling attack was relentless. Abdur Razzak struck early, dismissing Watling with an LBW, and Shafiul Islam’s brilliance in the field sent the dangerous Brendon McCullum back to the pavilion. Ross Taylor, the backbone of the Kiwi batting order, was caught out in the deep, and soon Shakib himself joined the fray, removing Aron Redmond with his cunning left-arm spin.
By the time Mahmudullah Riad dismissed Vettori, New Zealand was reeling at 80 for 5. The match seemed firmly in Bangladesh’s grasp. Yet, cricket is a game of unpredictability, and Kane Williamson stood like a lone sentinel, refusing to surrender. His resilience brought New Zealand back into contention. With Grant Elliot and later Nathan McCullum, Williamson forged partnerships that threatened to wrest control away from Bangladesh.
As the game neared its climax, 24 runs were needed from the final 12 balls—a daunting task, yet not impossible. The atmosphere was electric, and Bangladesh required a breakthrough. Once again, it was Shakib who rose to the occasion. His left-arm spin, so often a weapon in the deathovers, worked its magic once more. Nathan McCullum, attempting to force the pace, was run out by a brilliant throw from Naeem Islam. The pressure mounted. Tuffey fell without scoring, caught in the moment's intensity, and Bangladesh edged closer to a historic triumph.
When Shafiul Islam removed Williamson for a valiant 108, the final act of a tense drama unfolded. Bangladesh had done it. A 3-0 lead in the series, their first-ever consecutive victories over a higher-ranked team, sealed with a flourish. The Tigers had aimed high, and their determination had borne fruit. But at the heart of it all, it was one man’s vision and leadership—Shakib Al Hasan—that had made this moment possible.
In an era where Bangladesh cricket often searches for consistency, Shakib has emerged as the unifying force, the captain whose shoulders carry the weight of a nation’s hopes. He is not just a cricketer; he is a symbol of what Bangladesh cricket can achieve when talent meets tenacity, and when leadership is matched with resolve.
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
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