Sakib Impressed with Captain Shanto, Hopes for a Batting Comeback

The lead-up to the T20 World Cup hasn’t been smooth for the Bangladesh team. They lost a bilateral T20 series to the USA (2-1) and didn’t fare well in a warm-up match against India. However, Bangladesh started the main event by defeating Sri Lanka. Although they narrowly lost to South Africa by 4 runs, they secured a win against the Netherlands.

Heading into the final group stage match against Nepal, the Tigers are strong contenders from Group D to advance to the Super Eight. Despite the team’s good performance, runs have eluded captain Najmul Hossain Shanto.

Shanto scored only 7 runs off 13 balls against Sri Lanka, 14 runs off 23 balls against South Africa, and 1 run off 3 balls against the Netherlands.

While Shanto has led the team to success as captain, he’s struggled with the bat. How do his teammates view his leadership and lack of runs? Team pacer Tanzim Hasan Sakib addressed both issues in a press conference.

He said, “Shanto bhai is working very hard in practice to get back in form. He is a very hardworking individual. I think he’s one of the hardest workers in the national team. He is extremely dedicated and passionate. He’s making every effort to back himself.”

“As a captain, he is very determined and supportive. We really like his captaincy, and we also praise him. He keeps everyone together, organized—both on and off the field. I would say that’s a very positive aspect.”