Shakib Al Hasan returned to the international circuit after being slapped with a two-year ban by the global cricket body, ICC in October 2019, with 1 year suspended, for failing to report infamous corrupt approaches from a bookmaker.
Bangladesh star all-rounder made a grand comeback to international cricket during the first ODI match against West Indies. The all-rounder’s comeback was worth applauding as he registered one of the best bowling figures in his cricketing career.
Shakib’s return gave Bangladesh a much-needed lift and tempo during the game against the Caribbeans. West Indies were far from being impressed with the bat and they lacked teeth when taking on the Tigers.
The all-rounder made a bold statement on his return by registering 4/8 as Bangladesh made a great start to the three-match ODI series by hammering West Indies by 6 wickets in the ODI opener on Wednesday.
Shakib dismantles West Indies’ middle-order
Shakib, in his first match for the national cricket team since the 2019 World Cup, bowled as many as 7 overs and dismantled West Indies’ middle-order as the Caribbeans lost three wickets for 11 runs.
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Thanks to Shakib’s impressive bowling performance as Bangladesh bundled out the visitors for just 122 in 32.3 overs. Apart from the star all-rounder’s performance, debutant Hasan Mahmud and fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman played their part by registering 3/28 and 2/20 respectively.
Bangladesh win by 6 wickets
The opening fixture was delayed for close to an hour due to torrential downpour. Earlier, Bangladesh skipper Tamim Iqbal won the toss and invited the tourists to bat first. West Indies approached the game with as many as 6 ODI debutants.
Debutant Kyle Mayers and Rovman Powell who hammered 2 maximums, offered some stability with a liaison of 59 for the 6th wicket. Mahmud opened his wicket-tally for the first time by having Rovman caught behind for 28.
Raymon was dismissed leg before wicket off Mahmud’s bowling. He was dismissed for a duck with his next delivery. Meanwhile, Mayers was the pick of the batsmen for the West Indies as he scored 40 before being outsmarted by Mehdi Hasan’s delivery that spun decisively.
Tamim Iqbal who skippered the side for the first time after being named the captain last March was the pick of the batsmen as he provided a terrific start to the game. He smashed 44 before being stumped off West Indies skipper Jason Mohammed.
Meanwhile, leg-spinner Akeal Hosein clean bowled Liton Das for 14 to bag his first wicket on his international debut. Experienced wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim who remained not out on 19 aced the run-chase by hitting winning runs for the team.
West Indies’ bowler Akeal Hosein finished with impressive bowling figures of 3-26 from his quota of 10 overs. It was a memorable result for Bangladesh as this was their first match after a 9-month layoff owing to the coronavirus epidemic. It is to be noted that the ongoing ODI series is part of the ICC World Cup Super League which will evaluate which teams would make it to the 2023 World Cup tournament which will be held in India.
