Despite almost being out of the semi-final equation, the Bangladesh all-rounder had a tournament to remember on a personal level.
As always, the Bangladesh Shakib Al Hasan talisman has been a critical figure for his nation during this tournament, breaking a few records in the process.
He went past Shahid Afridi and Lasith Malinga to become the highest wicket-taker in the T20I World Cup history. The left-arm orthodox bowler claimed his 40th wicket against Sri Lanka, which is more than Afridi (39), Malinga (38) and Saeed Ajmal (38).
The 34-year-old is one of only four bowlers to have registered 100+ wickets in T20Is; the others are Lasith Malinga, Tim Southee, and Rashid Khan. Shakib overtook Malinga during the match against Scotland last month and is the leading wicket-taker in T20Is with 117 dismissals to his name.
While he will surely be a massive loss to his team, it doesn’t come as a big blow because they have no chances of qualifying. England is already on six points; a pedestal Bangladesh cannot reach. Australia and South Africa are each on 4 points, while Bangladesh is yet to open its account on the points table.
Bangladesh can positively take Shakib’s injury and give some other players a chance to showcase their talent. It is an excellent opportunity for them to test their bench strength. Bangladesh will face the Aussies and the Proteas in the last two matches and will have to win both for any hope of a semi-final spot.
Apart from just winning the games, they will also depend on results elsewhere. The West Indies will have to get the better of Australia, and England will have to defeat South Africa.
If all things go to plan, England will be the runaway leaders of Group A, followed by all five teams in the group on four points. The only thing separating these teams will be the net run rate.
