Shakib Al Hasan scored an unbeaten 92 to guide Bangladesh into the final of the triangular series after beating SL by five wickets..
Bangladesh added another feather in their cap when they beat Sri Lanka by five wickets in a curtailed-overs match at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur yesterday.
The victory definitely gave some relief in the gloom of repeated defeats at the highest level of the game, especially after their disappointing 38-run loss to Zimbabwe.
So what was more refreshing in the Tigers' second achievement against the Lankans? Definitely the emergence of Shakib Al Hasan as a genuine match-winner.
The fact that Mohammad Ashraful played second fiddle in the victory was encouraging for Bangladesh cricket in a way. It was something unique and definitely exciting and now one can easily think beyond Ashraful. It is a definite good news for the team.
The saying usually goes 'Ashraful can only win the match on his day', but Shakib's magnificent 92 gave the clear indication that there is another man among the ranks who can win the match on his own right.
Shakib had also showed his mettle in the first match against Zimbabwe but his half-century went in vain as he failed to bat through the innings but he had overcome it yesterday to take him to a new level. He not only challenged the versatile Sri Lankan bowling attack to script the famous victory but also finished the game which was a rare effort from the left-hander.
And it would definitely put off the pressure from Ashraful who can now play his own game.
Sri Lanka made 147 in 30.3 overs in the 31-overs-a-side affair but the Tigers did it in just 23.5 overs to secure the bonus point for getting a place in Friday's final against Sri Lanka.
The Tigers made a disastrous start by losing three wickets for 11 runs and then the focus turned to Ashraful as everybody had the belief that only this little man can make the miracle.
But Shakib came up with courage not only to rewrite everything but also overshadowed his stylish partner. Ashraful's effort during the 91-run fourth wicket partnership certainly played an important rule behind the victory but without any doubt Shakib was special on the day.
"It was one of the best innings by any Bangladeshi batsman if we take the situation into consideration. The way he charged after losing three wickets was fantastic and something rare. His effort not only released the pressure but helped me to play a different role," said Ashraful.
"His (Shakib's) consistent performance has also been rare in our cricket and it would be a different team if two-three players can contribute like Shakib is doing for the team," he added.
Shakib also proved that he is the real all-rounder in the team as there was no exception to his left-arm spin. He conceded just 24 runs in six overs in a very crucial period of the match.
Nobody can now disagree with coach Jamie Siddon's claim that the young man from Magura is a world-class not ready to get involved in a debate whether he is a bowling all-rounder or batting all-rounder.
"I am a cricketer," was the answer from Shakib when he was asked about it. The 21-year old all-rounder however rated his innings highly given the situation of the match.
"I made a hundred (108) against Pakistan last year almost in the same situation but the difference is that here I won the match. I think so far it's my best ever innings," said an excited Shakib.
Interestingly the match hero was not sure about their chances to achieve the target until Nayeem Islam smashed a boundary through the covers off Ajantha Mendis.
"I never thought we were winning until Nayeem smashed the boundary. You know I was not a good finisher before today," said a smiling Shakib.
He set a long-term goal as he wants to serve the team for at least 15 years and the young man was very much aware of the fact that he has to go through a bad time at times.
"Definitely a bad time will come but what I believe is that one can overcome it if he works hard and follows the process properly," observed Shakib.
Good news for Bangladesh cricket.
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