Shakib al Hasan, one of the finest cricketers Bangladesh have ever produced, has achieved yet another remarkable feat in his illustrious career in the recently concluded first Test match against the West Indies.
Shakib has become the fastest to achieve a rare double, 200 wickets and 3,000 runs in Test cricket, in 54 Tests, while the previous record was held by England great Sir Ian Botham (55 Tests).
By doing so, Shakib has also left behind some legendary names in the history of world cricket like Chris Cairns (58 Tests), Andrew Flintoff (69), Kapil Dev (73) and Imran Khan (75).
When asked about his reaction after achieving such a feat, the left-hander replied with a bright smile, and said winning for Bangladesh is more pleasing for him rather than personal achievements.
The year 2018 has passed like a roller-coaster for Shakib as he was dealt a major blow when he injured his right index finger in January this year.
Later, he missed two Tests against Sri Lanka, but came back in the away West Indies series and played two Tests in July.
Shakib’s first five-for in T20I https://t.co/GddX7ux2EZ#SHAKIB #AL #HASAN #BANGLADESH #BCB
— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) December 20, 2018
That series did not go well for Shakib individually, or as a team for Bangladesh.
Shakib was later ruled out from the home series against Zimbabwe in November.
Eventually, the Magura lad returned in the ongoing West Indies series, but revealed that he could not recover fully physically for five-day cricket.
But even a half-fit Shakib was enough to lead his side to a historic Test win, and he did that by bowling well in both the innings.
Shakib took two important wickets in the very fast over he bowled in the game, creating an impact immediately.
The skipper bagged a total of five wickets in the match.
#ShakibAlHasan claims maiden five-for in Bangladesh's series-levelling win vs Windies#BANvWI
— CricketNDTV (@CricketNDTV) December 20, 2018
Read: https://t.co/KQMm8uqPu1 pic.twitter.com/bNEnT9J1f3
Shakib’s inclusion in the squad made that much impact within the squad as Bangladesh not only get the service of a world-class spinner but also a class batsman in the middle-order, all in one package.
Moreover, his attacking captaincy is an asset as it was clearly evident during the Tigers’ 64-run win in Chittagong.
Ahead of the second and final Test, skipper Shakib was aiming to wrap up the series, but also indicated that the Tigers will play positive, attacking cricket to defeat the West Indies.
There is no chance of a defensive approach.
Such mentality of showing positive and natural intent created today’s Shakib, who has scored 10,000-plus runs and took more than 500 wickets in international cricket, to make him one of the world’s best all-rounder.
Although sometimes, showing such attacking mood may cost his side but he believes that’s the way he will get the best results.
Bowlers who bagged 5-wicket hauls in all 3 formats of international cricket.
— Imran Hasan (@Imranhasan02) December 20, 2018
Tim Southee
Lasith Malinga
Ajantha Mendis
Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Umar Gul
Imran Tahir
Kuldeep Yadav
SHAKIB AL HASAN
*Today SHAKIB AL HASAN enters into this club. #BANvWI
Shakib also became the first Bangladesh to cross the milestone of 200 Test wickets in the while the second best Mohammad Rafique is way behind (100 wickets).
Among the current players, only Taijul Islam is close to the 100-wicket mark, which indicates Shakib’s supremacy as the highest wicket-taker in Tests for Bangladesh.
So, it was proved once again that even a half-fit Shakib is still one of the most important weapons for Bangladesh.
He has already become one of the brand ambassadors of Bangladesh cricket all around the world with his performance.
The 31-year old has achieved plenty, both with bat and ball, in his career and still quite a few years are in the offing.
So the fans may expect the already superlative cricketer of Bangladesh to raise his standards to an even higher strata.
QUICKEST TO 200 RUNS & 3000 WICKETS IN TESTS
Player Matches
Shakib al Hasan (Bangladesh) 54
Sir Ian Botham (England) 55
Chris Cairns (NZ) 58
Andrew Flintoff (England) 69
Kapil Dev (India) 73
MOST TEST WICKETS BY A BANGLADESHI
Player Inns Wkts
Shakib al Hasan 91 201
Mohammad Rafique 48 100
Taijul Islam 40 94
Mashrafe bin Mortaza51 78
Mehedi Hasan Miraz 31 72
