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Bangladesh Emerging Women seal series against South Africa
Bangladesh Emerging Women cricket team have won three matches in a row to seal the five-match ODI series against South Africa Emerging Women.
Bangladesh won the third match on Thursday by six wickets at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.
The visitors won the toss and opted to bat first, but they failed to put up a good batting display and were bundled out for 92 runs.
Also read: Tigresses awarded Test status
Ritu Mon, Nahida Akter and Rabeya of Bangladesh Emerging Women were fantastic with the ball, bagging three wickets each.
For South Africa, Anneke Bosch scored 30 runs while Andrie Steyn, Michaela Andrews scored 19 and 18.
In reply, Murshida Khatun scored the highest 46 runs for Bangladesh while Farjana Haque Pinky and Nigar Sultana Joty scored 13 and 16 to lead the team to a third consecutive win.
Also read: Emerging Women’s Cricket: South Africa whitewash Bangladesh 3-0
Earlier, Bangladesh won the first match of the series by 54 runs and the second one by seven wickets.
The fourth and fifth match of the series will take place on April 11 and 13 at the same venue.
Walton becomes title sponsor of Bangladesh-Sri Lanka Test series
Bangladeshi tech-giant Walton has become the title sponsor of the upcoming Test series between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
The official name of the event will be ‘Walton Bangladesh-Sri Lanka Series’.
According to the schedule, Sri Lanka will host Bangladesh for a two-match Test series this time. Bangladesh will reach Sri Lanka on April 12. The first Test is scheduled to be played from April 21 at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium near Kandy while the second game is set to start on April 29.
Also read: West Indies Test series a litmus test for Bangladesh cricket?
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between Walton and ITW sports management, the owner of the series recently.
Executive Director of Walton Group Uday Hakim and head of ITW Consulting Bangladesh Private Limited Mohammad Sharik signed the agreement on behalf of their respective sides at Walton’s media office in Dhaka.
Also read: Bangladesh-Sri Lanka Test series in jeopardy
Walton’s Executive Director Firoj Alam and Senior Additional Director Rabiul Islam Milton were present at the ceremony.
Hakim says, “The whole world is passing through a tough time due to the coronavirus epidemic. But the good thing is that cricket has started to return to the field overcoming the fear of the virus.”
Read Daraz becomes sponsor of the national cricket team
The national cricket team have already returned home from New Zealand. They are now set to tour Sri Lanka to play the two-match Test series.
Hakim said Walton is proud to be associated with this event. It is expected that millions of cricket fans, players and all those associated with cricket will be inspired by this event. “Walton is with cricket and will always be,” he added.
Read Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka 2021: Five Things Bangladesh Cricket Team Must Do To win the Test Series in Sri Lanka
T20 World Cup 2021: Five Things the Bangladesh Team Needs To Address Before the World T20 2021
India will host the seventh ICC T20 World Cup from October to November 2021. This tournament will feature a total of 16 nations. The top ten full members of the ICC will be automatically qualified for the tournament.
The remaining six teams will be selected from the qualifying round. As the World Cup is being held in the subcontinent, the Mahmudullah-led Bangladesh team is expecting to do well in this year’s event. But five things the Bangladesh team needs to address before the World T20 2021 if they want to achieve something great in the tournament. These issues are discussed in this article.
In which sectors, Bangladesh need to improve before the T20 World Cup 2021?
Bangladesh will participate in the 2021 T20 World Cup under Mahmudullah Riyad’s leadership. Senior cricketers are expected to play in the World Cup despite the fact that they sometimes remain absent in bilateral series. Bangladesh have the potential to surprise the cricketing world if they can improve their deficiencies and play with unwavering faith. Now let’s take a look at the issues that the Bangladesh team needs to improve.
Read Without senior players, what Bangladesh’s ODI Cricket team could look like?
1) Bringing Shakib Al Hasan back at no.3
Usually, the best batsman plays at the number three position. For Bangladesh, Shakib Al Hasan has been batting in this position since 2018. Shakib had an excellent 2019 World Cup by batting at number three. But Shakib Al Hasan has been replaced by young Nazmul Hossain Shanto for the number three position since the Windies series in January. Afterward, Shanto and Soumya batted at number three for the next two series, but they failed to live up to the expectations. This indicates that Shakib Al Hasan is the only best option for this spot. So he should bat at number three in the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Read Mustafiz's Rajasthan vs Shakib's Kolkata: Which team has the best chance to win the IPL 2021?
2) Increasing all-rounders in the squad
Many teams now prioritize bringing in more all-rounders in the squad. Most of the all-rounders are aggressive batsmen who can score quickly when the team needs them. All-rounders are also valued for their ability to play an effective role with the ball. Bangladesh’s chances of performing well in the T20 World Cup will improve if more all-rounders are selected.
Read Key T20I Records between Bangladesh and New Zealand
3) Improving the efficiency of spinners
Spinners play an important role in India. Any decent quality spinner can become a nightmare for batsmen on Indian pitches. That is why more attention should be given to the inclusion of spinners in the squad than pacers. Apart from Shakib Al Hasan, there are several promising spinners in the Bangladesh team. However, there are doubts about their effectiveness against the world's premier batsmen. BCB should hire a qualified spin coach to help spinners improve their skills.
Read Mashrafe Mortaza drops a bombshell over his alleged T20 retirement in 2017
4) Mastering the batting technique in swinging conditions
Bangladesh's batsmen had to deal with a lot of swing from the pacers in their last series against New Zealand. They had struggled to cope with the extra pace, bounce, and awful swing deliveries of the Kiwi pacers in the whole tour. The vulnerabilities of Bangladesh batsmen on hard pitches were exposed once more in this series. Batsmen must have a clear understanding of how to bat aggressively in swinging conditions in the T20 format.
Read The Best ODI Batsmen of the 21st Century
5) Improving fielding performance
Bangladesh’s fielding performance has deteriorated noticeably. The ground fielding was terrible in the last two series, and the players missed a lot of catches. In any format, especially in T20, the chances of losing a match are high due to poor fielding. That’s why the Bangladesh team’;s overall fielding needs to be strengthened. The team’;s senior cricketers, especially captain Mahmudullah Riyad, will have to carry responsibility for motivating the players.
Read Memorable Match Winning Knocks in Tests
Bottom Line
After a disappointing performance in the recently concluded New Zealand series, it would be unreasonable to expect too much from Bangladesh’s present T20 side. Therefore five Things the Bangladesh team needs to address before the World T20 2021 in order to perform well during the tournament. One or two senior cricketers may retire from the T20 format after this tournament.
For that reason, no.1 all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, dashing opener Tamim Iqbal, Mr dependable Mushfiqur Rahim, and silent killer Mahmudullah Riyadh would all want to accomplish something significant in this competition together. No doubt, Bangladesh have an outside chance of winning this tournament if they play with full confidence.
Read Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka 2021: Five Things Bangladesh Cricket Team Must Do To win the Test Series in Sri Lanka
Domingo’s role as head coach under scrutiny
Since Russell Domingo took over as head coach of the Bangladesh cricket team, the Tigers have been performing consistently - consistently poorly, that is. Under his coaching, Bangladesh lost a Test to Afghanistan and suffered a clean sweep in a two-match Test series against understrength West Indies as well. Now, his role is finally facing the scrutiny of the board.
The Tigers’ recent assignment was in New Zealand where they crashed to six defeats across two formats and their winless drought in New Zealand across all three reached 32. In this tour, Bangladesh lost every game without offering any sort of resistance. This failure prompted the influential board directors to hold a meeting to discuss Domingo’s future as Bangladesh’s head coach.
BCB parted ways with Steve Rhodes after the World Cup 2019, and right after that, they appointed Domingo as the head coach, though, the South African coach applied to BCB to work with the development group of the cricketers, instead of the national team. But the board had decided to award him the role of the head coach of the national team considering his long-term vision.
Also read: Domingo sees great opportunity to beat New Zealand
His so-called long-term vision was interrupted due to the Covid-19 outbreak throughout the globe last year. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, he coached the Tigers in at least three series but failed to produce a good result.
The board is now set to evaluate his role as the head coach after the home series against Sri Lanka in May this year, said Akram Khan while talking to Cricbuzz recently.
“We are expected to sit for an evaluation meeting after the home series against Sri Lanka,” Akram said. “We’ll discuss everything about our coaches to know where we really stand now. And of course, we’ll discuss Domingo’s role as the head coach.”
Also read: Russell Domingo emphasises playing domestic cricket
After coming back from the disastrous New Zealand tour, Bangladesh will now travel to Sri Lanka for a two-match Test series. They are scheduled to fly to Sri Lanka on April 12.
This series came as an ordeal for Domingo who is currently on leave. He is expected to join the team before the Sri Lanka Tests.
During the Sri Lanka series, the Bangladesh team will be accompanied by Khaled Mahmud, the former captain, as the head of the delegation. It is understood that he will observe closely the way Domingo coaches the team.
Also read: ‘Always good to spread the leadership’: Russell Domingo
Mahmud believes that a coach is responsible to train the players and give them a good plan, and the rest is up to the players. While talking to the reporters in Dhaka, Mahmud said: “The players have to play well. A coach can give you a plan and train you well. I don’t know what happened to the team. I’ll try to find out that in the Sri Lanka tour and take steps accordingly.”
Weightlifter Mabia wins gold in Bangladesh Games
Country's celebrated weightlifter and SA Games gold medal-winning Mabia Akhter Simanta clinched gold with new record in her favourite 64 kgs weight category event of the Bangabandhu 9th Bangladesh Games held in Mymensingh District gymnasium on Wednesday.
Mabia, a lifter of Bangladesh Ansar, smartly clinched the event's gold medal with new national mark lifting total 181 kgs -- 80 kgs in snatch and 101 kgs in clean & jerk.
Read: 3-day Bangabandhu 44th National Athletics commences
The previous best record of Mabia was 179 kgs made in the Inter-Services Weightlifting Competition held in 2018.
Mila Akhter of Bangladesh Army won the event's silver lifting 132 kgs while Laboni Akhter of Shipahi Bagh JS took the bronze lifting 116 kgs.
Read 3 IU female students win medals in Bangladesh Games
Daraz becomes sponsor of national cricket team
The country’s leading e-commerce platform Daraz has become the new sponsor of the Bangladesh National Men's, Women's, A Team and Under-19 Cricket Team till November 30, 2023.
Daraz has been awarded the rights under which its logo will appear on the kits of the Bangladesh National Men’s and Women’s, Bangladesh A Team and the Bangladesh Under 19 Team.
Meanwhile, Hungrynaki, a sister concern of Daraz, will be the Team Kits Partner. The sponsorship is effective from April 7, 2021, and will run up to November 30, 2023.
Read: Tigers return home after disastrous New Zealand tour
BCB CEO Nizam Uddin Chowdhury welcomed Daraz to Bangladesh cricket.
"Within a very short period, Daraz has become one of the leading e-commerce sites in Bangladesh and arguably the most popular. The way Daraz has provided customer service at the doorsteps of millions of people, especially during the challenging period of the Covid-19 pandemic, has been admirable," he said.
The BCB is delighted to form a partnership with an organisation of international repute and one that has a progressive and innovative outlook, the BCB CEO said.
Read Walton becomes title sponsor of Bangladesh-Sri Lanka Test series
"I thank Daraz for coming forward and associating its brand with Bangladesh Cricket. I'm sure this will be a strong and durable relationship as we work towards the common goal of pursuing successes for Bangladesh cricket,” he added.
Daraz's Managing Director Syed Mostahidal Hoq said: “This's an auspicious moment for us because it always gives you immense pleasure to be able to do something for the country. By sponsoring our National Cricket Team we feel that we have become a part of the passion and glory associated with the game in Bangladesh and we look forward to celebrating many achievements in the years to come.”
Read: Tamim Iqbal wants to retire from one format
Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka 2021: Five Things Bangladesh Cricket Team Must Do To win the Test Series in Sri Lanka
The line-up for the ICC Test Championship final has been confirmed. The final match between India and New Zealand will take place at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Southampton from June 18-22. The tournament hasn't fulfilled the expectations as several series were canceled due to the coronavirus epidemic. While, Bangladesh will try to hit the points table with at least one victory in the upcoming series against Sri Lanka. In this regard, this is a very important series for Bangladesh. Let's take a look at the five things that the Bangladesh cricket team must do to win the Test series in Sri Lanka.
Five key areas that Bangladesh need to improve in the series against Sri Lanka
The two-match Test series between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will start later this month. The first match will be played at the Pallekele stadium starting from April 21 and the second Test will begin on April 29 at the same venue. In 2017, Bangladesh beat Sri Lanka in their own backyard, so beating the Lankans again won’t be impossible for the tigers.
Captain Mominul must be proactive
Mominul Haque is still new in the captaincy role. Mominul needs to be more mature to get success as Test captain. He should not be hesitant to make any important decision when needed. As a person, MominulHaque is a bit introverted but he needs to be more proactive in order to lead the team. Particularly when fielding, he must inspire the bowlers as well as diversify his decisions. Sometimes the captain's personality may have an effect on the team's performance. That's why the focus should be on activities that inspire the team to perform well. Mominul will be able to solidify his place as captain if he guides Bangladesh to win the Test series against Sri Lanka.
Also read: Still nothing definite on Sri Lanka tour
Making a game plan for each session
Test cricket is a game of patience. It is impossible to succeed in the Test format without displaying perseverance. Since there are 15 sessions in five days, it's important to map out a plan for each one. Even if you play well in two sessions, the whole equation can change in one bad session and the plan can vary depending on the situation. Therefore, each session must be planned sensibly. It is possible to do well in the Test series against Sri Lanka if the strategy is implemented properly. In this case, players' sincerity is very essential, and to ensure that the team management has to take responsibility.
Forming big partnerships for a big score
Bangladeshi batsmen usually lose concentration after hitting a half-century. Cricketers have yet to develop the mentality of playing long innings, which is extremely disappointing. Big partnerships will be vital if Bangladesh want to beat Sri Lanka in their own backyard. Players should not be content with just a hundred. They must concentrate on scoring double or triple hundreds. Especially they should try to score big in the first innings. The opposition team will be under pressure if Bangladesh post 500 in the first innings. Bangladesh have the tendency to get bowled out for a low total in the second innings. They must do something to change the situation. Batsmen must develop their fighting instincts, particularly when under pressure. Then we can expect positive outcomes from Bangladesh.
Also read: Tigers' SL tour facing postponement over BCB's unreasonable demand
Bowlers must be determined to take 20 wickets
A team must be capable of taking 20 wickets to win Tests. Otherwise, winning a Test match would be quite difficult. Though Bangladesh's bowling attack isn't particularly strong, they have enough quality bowlers to bowl Sri Lanka out twice in a Test. Spinners normally have the upper hand on subcontinent pitches. Therefore, Bangladeshi spinners must take most of the responsibility. Taijul Islam and NaeemHasan should bowl more responsibly, particularly in the absence of Shakib Al Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman. Picking up 20 wickets will not be difficult if they understand the nature of the pitches and bowl accordingly.
There should be no fielding errors
Bangladesh's fielders were unimpressive in the recently concluded ODI and T20 series against New Zealand. Bangladesh were denied the chance to win at least one match in New Zealand due to poor fielding. In the Test format, players usually feel a bit tired because they have to field for a long time. Players cannot lose focus on fielding to succeed in Tests. They always have to be proactive on the field. Because one big mistake could cost the match. In that case, senior cricketers, as well as captain, have a big role to play.
Also read: Sri Lanka Tour: National team hits the field after long hiatus
Bottom Line
The Bangladesh cricket team's performance in the Test format over the last two years has been dreadful. Bangladesh have lost eight of the last nine Test matches, with the exception of the lone Test match against Zimbabwe in January 2020. The leadership of the Bangladesh Test team has changed during this time. Mominul Haque is currently captaining the Bangladesh team in the longer version format. BCB needs to develop a proper plan to take the Mominul-led Bangladesh Test team forward. In that case, the first-class cricket structure in the country must be strengthened and more competitive. However, Bangladesh must win the series against Sri Lanka in order to rekindle cricketers' passion for Test cricket. For that, the Bangladesh cricket team must do the five things listed above.
Read Without senior players, what Bangladesh’s ODI Cricket team could look like?
Without senior players, what Bangladesh’s ODI Cricket team could look like?
There comes a time when seniors must step aside to allow the next generation to take their place. Bangladesh’s senior cricketers will likely retire in the next two to three years. Especially Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan are already considering retiring from at least one format of cricket. So from now on, the selectors will have to focus on developing cricketers who will be able to represent Bangladesh in the future. Bangladesh has had the most success in one-day international cricket. So, without senior players, what Bangladesh’s ODI Cricket team could look like? This has been discussed in this article.
How Bangladesh’s ODI playing XI could shape up without their senior players
Shakib, Tamim, Mushfiq, and Mahmudullah have been playing together for more than a decade. Together they have won many matches for Bangladesh and as a result, these cricketers have witnessed many historic victories of Bangladesh. One thing is certain: the BCB has yet to come up with a better alternative for seniors. This is a failure on the part of the Bangladesh Cricket Board, and cricketers must take some of the blame as they are not able to take full advantage of the opportunity they are getting. Let's take a look at the future Bangladesh ODI XI.
Read Mustafiz's Rajasthan vs Shakib's Kolkata: Which team has the best chance to win the IPL 2021?
Batting/Top order
Liton Das
ODI Match: 42 | Runs: 1,115 | HS: 176 | Ave: 29.61 | SR: 91.66 | 100s: 03
Liton Das has been the regular opener of the Bangladesh team for the last two years.
He has cemented his place in the national team after some stellar performances in the international arena. Liton has the highest individual ODI innings for Bangladesh. He achieved that feat against Zimbabwe in 2020 with 176 runs. Though he lacks consistency, at the moment there is no alternative for opener Liton.
Read Mashrafe Mortaza drops a bombshell over his alleged T20 retirement in 2017
Mohammad Naim
ODI Match: 01 | Runs: .. | HS: .. | Ave: .. | SR: .. | 100s: ..
Mohammad Naim will be the prime contender to replace Tamim Iqbal when he retires.
The tall left-handed opener has already established himself as a regular starter in T20 competitions. However, he was not given another opportunity after playing a washed out ODI match against Zimbabwe last year. If given the opportunity, Mohammad Naim has the ability to be a productive opener.
Read How to Become a Cricketer in Bangladesh: An Overall Guideline.
Soumya Sarkar
ODI Match: 61 | Runs: 1,768 | HS: 127* | Ave: 32.14 | SR: 97.35 | 100s: 02
Soumya started his international career with high expectations. But despite getting countless opportunities, he has failed to establish himself as a reliable batsman in the team. Soumya also has a tendency to keep failing after a couple of successful innings. However, his position in the Bangladesh team is secure until the pipeline is solid.
Read Bangladesh's five most memorable overseas ODI wins
Batting/Middle and lower-middle order
Mohammad Mithun
ODI Match: 30 | Runs: 663 | HS: 73* | Ave: 30.13 | SR: 78.83 | 100s: 0
Mohammad Mithun made his international debut in 2014, but he was out of the Bangladesh team for some time. However, in 2018, the right-handed middle-order batsman reclaimed his place on the national side. Mithun will be able to play for Bangladesh for at least another 5-6 years if he can maintain his form.
Read Top Online Shops to Find Sports Equipment in Bangladesh
Afif Hossain
ODI Match: 01 | Runs: 07 | HS: 07 | Ave: 7.00 | SR: 175.00 | 100s: 0
The selectors have high expectations from young Afif Hossain. He is already being considered as an alternative to Shakib Al Hasan. Afif Hossain is a powerful batsman who is also an effective spinner. He is the kind of player who likes to take responsibility. There is no doubt that Afif will become an essential member of the Bangladesh team in the future.
Read Memorable Match Winning Knocks in Tests
Mosaddek Hossain
ODI Match: 35 | Runs: 549 | HS: 52* | Wkts: 14 | BBI: 3/13
All-rounder Mosaddek Hossain is an aggressive-minded middle-order batsman. He is also equally adept at picking up wickets at crucial moments. Mosaddek Hossain's competitive nature makes him a valuable player in limited-overs cricket. Mahmudullah will be replaced by Mosaddek after retirement.
Read The Best ODI Batsmen of the 21st Century.
Mahedi Hasan
ODI Match: 03 | Runs: 24 | HS: 14 | Wkts: 02 | BBI: 2/42
Mahedi Hasan made his international debut in the away series against New Zealand. Aggressive Mahedi is equally good at batting and bowling. When he failed to score with the bat, he makes it up by picking wickets. In the future, Afif, Mosaddek, and Mahedi could become a lethal middle order for Bangladesh.
Read New Zealand Series will define Tamim’s captaincy
Mohammad Saifuddin
ODI Match: 24 | Runs: 302 | HS: 51* | Wkts: 34 | BBI: 4/41
Pace all-rounder Mohammad Saifuddin has been dubbed the team's new Mashrafe. Saifuddin is a very good bowler in the death overs. In addition, Saifuddin can become lethal with the bat when the team needs him. In the international arena, he has already proven his worth by playing some notable innings.
Read Bangladesh vs New Zealand T20I Series 2021: Report Card of Bangladeshi players
Bowling
Taskin Ahmed
ODI Match: 36 | Wkts: 48 | BBI: 5/28 | Ave: 32.81 | Econ: 5.88 | 5W: 01
Taskin Ahmed returned to the international circuit last January after missing two years due to injury. Taskin is committed to keeping his place on the squad. If he continues to perform, he will be able to play for Bangladesh for at least another 6/7 years.
Read Shakib's 34th Birthday: 34 achievements to celebrate the no.1 all-rounder
Mustafizur Rahman
ODI Match: 64 | Wkts: 118 | BBI: 6/43 | Ave: 23.27 | Econ: 5.24 | 5W: 05
Cutter master Mustafizur Rahman is leading Bangladesh's pace attack. Mustafiz had been rhythmless for a few years, but now he's hinting at recapturing his lost form. He can easily play for Bangladesh's national side for another decade. Mustafiz has the potential to break many records at the end of his retirement.
Read Key T20I Records between Bangladesh and New Zealand
Rubel Hossain
ODI Match: 104 | Wkts: 129 | BBI: 6/26 | Ave: 34.31 | Econ: 5.67 | 5W: 01
Rubel Hossain is one of the most successful pace bowlers in ODI format for Bangladesh. He played important roles in many historic victories of Bangladesh. Rubel is likely to play at least two more ICC World Cups for Bangladesh. But in that case, he'll have to work hard to stay in shape.
Read Who can replace Shakib Al Hasan in Bangladesh Cricket Team?
Bottom Line
An XI for the One-Day International has been formed based on the current Bangladesh squad, which gives us an idea of what Bangladesh's ODI cricket team could look like without the senior players? Finding Shakib, Tamim, or Mushfiqur alternatives is a difficult task. However, Bangladesh has no shortage of talented cricketers. If properly nurtured, a good number of high-quality cricketers will develop in the future.
According to ODI captain Tamim, there will be no big changes in the Bangladesh ODI squad before the 2023 World Cup. In that case, a significant number of players who won the Youth World Cup 2020 will be regularly seen in the Bangladesh squad after the ICC 2023 World Cup. Many people believe that with the guidance of those youngsters, Bangladesh will win the first ICC Cricket World Cup.
Read Bangladesh Cricket’s Next Generation Superstars: Potential Youngsters Who Could Lead the National Team
3 IU female students win medals in Bangladesh Games
Three athletes from the Islamic University in Kushtia won gold and bronze medals in Bangabandhu 9th Bangladesh Games held in the capital on Monday (April 05, 2021).
Jafrin Akhter won a gold medal in the discus throw event. Anika Rahman Tamanna won three gold in 100m hurdles, 100m relay and 400m relay. Rinki Khatun won bronze in long jump.
Also read: IU holds seminar on changing trends of Bauls
All three are students of Islamic History and Culture.
IU physical education department Deputy Director M Asadur Rahman said the students’ success was a matter of pride for the university.
“Our players are bringing glory to the university at home and abroad. I hope this will continue,” Asad said.
Also read: IU set to observe Martyred Intellectual Day, Victory Day
Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA) organised the event on the occasion of the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the golden jubilee of the country's independence.
A total of 5,300 athletes are competing for 1,271 medals in 378 events of 31 disciplines across seven divisional cities and the capital.
Also read: Discussion on ‘bacillary dysentery’ held at IU
IPL 2021: Shakib all set to face Mumbai Indians
Bangladesh and Kolkata Knight Riders all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is all ready to face Mumbai Indians in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL), which is slated to start on April 9.
Shakib has already joined the Kolkata team who are now having a practice camp in Mumbai. Before joining the camp, Shakib had a seven-day quarantine.
Also read: IPL 2021: Shakib back in Kolkata Knight Riders
Kolkata's IPL will begin with their encounter against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 11 in Chennai. They will face Mumbai Indians in their next game on April 13 at the same venue.
While talking to ESPNcricinfo recently, Shakib said he was waiting to face Mumbai in this IPL. "The team I am most looking forward to facing in this IPL is Mumbai.
"I would also love to face English pacer Jofra Archer who was slated to play for Rajasthan Royals," Shakib said. Jofra, however, is uncertain for this IPL, and the all-rounder said in the absence of Jofra, he would love to face Patt Cummins in the nets who is also playing for Kolkata.
This IPL is like a homecoming for Shakib as he returned to Kolkata after two years. In the last season, Shakib was out of cricketing activities due to a ban imposed on him by the International Cricket Council for failing to report corrupt approaches. Before that, the all-rounder played for Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2019.
Shakib was a part of Kolkata when they won two IPL titles. He said his best memory in IPL came in 2014 when he performed well with the bat and ball and Kolkata won the title. The Bangladesh all-rounder scored 227 runs and bagged 11 wickets in that season of IPL.
Also read:Mustafiz's Rajasthan vs Shakib's Kolkata: Which team has the ..
The all-rounder believes that the team's strongest side in this IPL is their bowling line-up. "I think we've covered all the area well."
"Namely, I believe the bowling department is the strongest part of our team. This bowling attack can win the IPL for Kolkata."
However, Shakib had some tough time off the field recently due to choosing IPL over Bangladesh's tour to Sri Lanka for a two-match series.
He applied to the Bangladesh Cricket Board to allow him to play IPL and skip the tour. The board accepted his request.
However, the board also said Shakib was reluctant to play Tests. But he did not say so.