Real champions are those who think of winning even in the
face of a defeat. Bangladesh
epitomized that in their World Cup game against Ireland
on Friday.
It was crisis time for Bangladesh
captain Shaikb Al Hasan. It was an acid test of his leadership skills. And, boy,
did he rise to the challenge!
In my book, Shakib’s captaincy was at his brilliant best. Not
for a fleeting moment his shoulders dropped. He attacked relentlessly; despite
memories of the Sehwag mauling was fresh in the memory of his bowlers.
In the 10th over, Shakib brought on Ashraful and Naeem Al
Islam. The ploy of introducing Ashraful was risky decision as the bowler’s
confidence was at its lowest ebb. But Shakib believed in his bowler’s ability
to deliver the good. And Ashraful just did what his captain wanted from him. He
started bowling off-spin, and not leg-spin, as the track was aiding the finger
spinners to pick up two vital wickets.
Shakib gave him a protracted spell of nine overs and in the
process sacrificed his own full quota of 10 overs. As the saying goes, “Fortunes
favours the brave.”
The captain’s deployment of Shafiul was another instance of
his ability to understand and exploit a given situation. In his first spell,
Shafiul was hammered, but Shakib used him in short bursts whenever a wicket
fell and advised him to bowl a fuller length. And how well his tactics worked!
Shakib knew that Shafiul is capable of delivering the goods
and he just needed to be used as per the demand of the situation. Shafiul
responded by jolting the Irish tail.
Note: This article has been published in Cricket Country on 28/02/2011http://www.cricketcountry.com/articles/take-a-bow-shakib-al-hasan-813
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
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