Shakib thanks fans, Mirpur crowd for belief

Maverick all-rounder Shakib al Hasan, the standout performer of the first Test match between Bangladesh and Australia, thanked the home crowd for their support and always believing in the Tigers, during the post-game press conference in Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Wednesday. Australia finished day three on a strong note as the dangerous David Warner was not out on 75 runs while captain Steven Smith, the No 1 Test batsman of the world, was unbeaten on 25. Those two undefeated batsmen started confidently on day four and at one stage, Australia were cruising on 158 for the loss of two wickets while chasing 265. But from that position, Bangladesh clinched a historic 20-run win. There was significant amount of crowd here in Mirpur as they constantly cheered the Tigers. “Special thanks to the crowd who came to see the match on day four. They believe in us, that’s why they came to the field. Australia had eight wickets in hand and were only 156 away from victory. But still, the crowd and fans had belief that we can win. That's why they came to the stadium to support us," said Shakib. "So that inspired us. If the crowd can believe we can win, then why shouldn't we, the cricketers, do the same? So thanks to the crowd," he added.