Shakib hails 'team effort' after reaching another milestone

DHAKA - Ace allrounder Shakib Al Hasan hailed the
team effort after reaching yet another milestone in his illustrious
career.

  As Bangladesh won the five-match Twenty20 International series by
4-1 with a 60-run victory in the fifth and final game today at
Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Shakib completed a double of
1000 runs and 100 wickets in this shortest format of the cricket as
the only player in this planet.

  He contributed in the victory with a remarkable 3.4-1-9-4, which was
key in wrapping up Australian innings for their lowest 62 in 13.4
overs. In doing so, Shakib became the only second bowler after Sri
Lanka's Lasith Malinga to claim 100 wickets in T20 International
cricket.

  "I'm still enjoying the game, that's the important thing. Thanks to
my team-mates, this achievement wouldn't have been possible without
their help," Shakib said after the match as he was adjudged man of the
match and man of the series simultaneously.

  "I think we played some really good cricket through two series, in
Zimbabwe and here. Obviously the wicket was tough, but we held our
nerve well. It is all in all a team effort."

  The victory looked more glorious after Bangladesh defended their
122-8. Shakib said they were confident of winning the game despite
putting up such moderate total on the board.

  "If you look at the last match, we scored 104-105 and the game still
went to the last over. So we knew if we score 120-130 we'll always be
in the game. We started well with the bat today, that gave us
momentum. I think the bowlers did a fantastic job throughout this
series. We're trying to improve all our areas."

  In the past, Bangladesh's pace bowling was their weakest link but
these days, it became their strength and took the load off from Shakib
and the spinner. The celebrated allrounder said he is happier for the
pacers, who started contributing in team's victory of late.

  "Our fast bowlers are also doing well, look at Mustafiz, Shoriful,
Taskin. They make our (spinners') job easy. And we're contributing
well in our part too."BSS