Shakib Al Hasan serves a warning to Team India
What's the story
Bangladesh's star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has been in magical form, allowing Bangladesh to scale new heights in the ICC World Cup 2019. Being Bangladesh's top run-scorer in this tournament, Shakib has also made a tremendous impact with the ball as well. As his performance draws him high acclaim from critics, he has delivered a warning to India that Bangladesh would be lethal.
Top India
Shakib wary of India as a top team
Shakib is aware of the fact that India, being one of the top teams in the tournament, have their eyes on the title. However, he said that while it won't be easy, his side would give their best to topple them during the tie. "They have world-class players who can win matches on their own. We have to be at our best," he asserted.
Quote
Shakib believes Bangladesh have same quality spinners as India
"Facing and bowling to them it is the same. You think of it one ball at a time. Every team has their strengths and weaknesses. I have seen India very closely when we have played them. We know where to bowl to them," reckoned Shakib.
Fine peformances
Bangladesh have produced some fine ODI performances
Shakib also brought up the fact that they have time and again proved that they can do anything in white-ball cricket. Bangladesh had won in Ireland, while they had also beaten Windies, both at home and away. While Bangladesh had come close to beating India on three occasions in the last three years, they fell short and Shakib believes this could their moment.
Praise for others
Shakib backs other top players to perform
Shakib also did not leave other team members behind for the side's fine performance. He heaped praise on senior batsmen for their valuable contributions, besides calling out bowlers Mohammad Saifuddin and Mustafizur Rahman. "Saifuddin and Mustafizur have already taken nine or ten wickets each in this tournament but within their limitations, they have done plenty. Matches are won with these contributions," he added.
Shakib's records
Shakib scripts a number of records in 2019 World Cup
Shakib became the second person, after Sri Lanka's Sanath Jayasuriya, to score 1,000 runs and take more than 25 wickets in the World Cup. He is also the second player to score 50-plus runs and claim five wickets in a World Cup tie. Shakib also became the first Bangladeshi to claim a five-wicket haul in the World Cup.