It requires a tremendous amount of mental toughness and determination for a cricketer returning to international cricket after serving a three-month suspension. Not only did Shakib al Hasan have it in abundance, the premier Bangladesh all-rounder also created several milestones yesterday as Bangladesh strode to a 162-run win in the second Test against Zimbabwe at Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium in Khulna.
Previously, former Pakistan captain Imran Khan and former England captain Sir Ian Botham were the only cricketers who achieved the feat of scoring a hundred and grabbing a 10-wicket haul in the same Test. Shakib became the third cricketer yesterday to claim the amazing record.
Besides his all-round heroics, Shakib also became the second cricketer to pick up three five-wicket hauls and score a century in a Test series, joining former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram.
Shakib’s 10-wicket haul was also the second time a Bangladesh bowler took 10 wickets in a Test, joining left-arm spinner Enamul Haque Jr in the list.
The poster boy of Bangladesh cricket added another feather to his already glorious Test cap. Shakib regained his No 1 spot in the rankings for the best all-rounders in Tests, surpassing India’s Ravichandran Ashwin.
After the match, Shakib posted this on his official Facebook page: “Thank you all for your wonderful wishes and prayers...I am truly humbled and honoured to be in the company of such legendary cricketers who have given so much to this wonderful game of cricket! In order for records to be reached, we need to dream and work hard...and I never stop dreaming and working hard...I dream for the day when Bangladeshis will be playing at the top of their game on a regular basis and show our fans what it feels like to be champions...Love, Shakib.”
