In a significant setback for Bangladesh, their skipper Shakib Al Hasan suffered from cramps following their 8-wicket defeat against New Zealand on Friday. The development was confirmed by Bangladesh batter Najmul Hossain Shanto, who provided an update on Shakib’s condition.
During the match, Shakib played a crucial role in a partnership with Mushfiqur Rahim, attempting to keep the Tigers in the game against New Zealand. The duo’s efforts were focused on repairing the early damage done to Bangladesh’s innings.
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However, Shakib’s intentions to take on New Zealand’s pace bowler Lockie Ferguson did not yield the desired results. He attempted a pull shot, resulting in a top edge that was comfortably taken by the wicketkeeper. Shakib was dismissed with a score of 40.
Despite his batting efforts, Shakib also contributed with the ball, completing his allotted 10 overs and picking up the wicket of Devon Conway. However, after the game, he did not participate in the post-match interaction.
Shanto addressed Shakib’s condition in the post-match press conference, stating, “Shakib has gone for a scan. After the scan, we will get to know the update on his condition.”
Reflecting on the factors that led to their defeat against New Zealand, Shanto acknowledged that Bangladesh’s batting performance fell short of expectations, and they failed to set a competitive target for the opposition.
“I think we didn’t make enough runs. We didn’t bat well. We needed an early wicket. The pace bowlers bowled well today. And the reason Shakib bowled first was if we could have picked a few early wickets, then we would have had a chance. So, that was the reason behind his early bowling,” Shanto remarked.
In the match, after delivering a clinical performance with the ball in the first innings, New Zealand pursued a modest target of 246 runs. Kane Williamson, who returned to the playing XI, played a crucial role in the chase, forming a left-hand, right-hand partnership with Devon Conway. While Conway fell early in the 21st over, Williamson continued to guide New Zealand towards victory.
However, in the 38th over of the game, Williamson sustained an injury when he was struck on his left thumb by Taskin Ahmed’s delivery. This unfortunate incident led to Williamson retiring hurt with a score of 78. Glenn Phillips took his place in the middle alongside Daryl Mitchell, who helped New Zealand secure a comfortable 8-wicket win.
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