Barbados Tridents’ fortunes have drastically improved since the joining of Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib al Hasan, as the side have jumped to second place in the six-team points table from the bottom heap just days ago.
The Tigers Test and T20I captain’s latest heroics in the Caribbean Premier League T20 came against Trinbago Knight Riders Wednesday night in Port of Spain, where he yet again registered an economical bowling spell to guide the Tridents to a seven-wicket win, their second victory in three matches.
Barbados were uncertain of a playoff berth but Shakib’s all-round efforts have gone a long way in eventually ensuring a top-four place.
Shakib conceded a combined 34 runs in eight overs for his two wickets in his previous two CPL matches and was his usual brilliant self against the Knight Riders, leaking only 25 in his quota of four overs and taking two scalps.
The 32-year old once again opened the bowling and accounted for the wickets of openers Jimmy Neesham (one) and Lendl Simmons (60) as Trinbago were restricted to 134 losing eight wickets in their allotted 20 overs.
.@Sah75official stars but #Barbados fall short by one runhttps://t.co/mSIJx9xaH5
— DhakaTribune (@DhakaTribune) September 29, 2019
In reply, Barbados reached their target with two balls to spare, Shakib making a 14-ball 13 batting at No 3.
In total, Shakib has now scored 73 runs in three CPL games in this edition.
Barbados will finish second, and thus guarantee the comfort of a second chance in case of defeat in Qualifier 1, if Trinbago (fourth) fail to win their last round robin match against Guyana Amazon Warriors (first).
Tigers wicketkeeper-batsman Liton Das’ Jamaica Tallawahs (sixth) meanwhile, will face off against Guyana in their last league phase game Friday in Providence at 4am, Bangladesh standard time.
