Shakib Al Hasan once again reminded cricket fans why he is regarded as one of the sport’s finest all-rounders. On Sunday in Dubai, the former Bangladesh captain was the star for MI Emirates, delivering a performance that highlighted both skill and composure under pressure.
Facing Desert Vipers, MI Emirates chased down a target of 125, thanks in large part to Shakib’s late innings contribution. His 25-ball 17 runs, anchored at a critical stage of the chase, demonstrated a blend of patience and strategic awareness. Despite not scoring at a brisk strike rate of 68.00, his approach ensured that the chase remained steady, allowing MI Emirates to secure a four-wicket win.
Shakib’s impact was felt with the ball first. He came into the attack in the seventh over of the Vipers’ innings and immediately made his presence felt. Fakhar Zaman’s dismissal, bowled cleanly, was followed by a brilliant delivery that trapped Sam Curran in the return catch. His final bowling figures—4 overs, 2 wickets for 14 runs—were a testament to his control and tactical awareness.
This performance ended a brief dry patch in the tournament, where Shakib had bowled without success in the previous two matches and found himself dropped for four games due to expensive bowling. His return to form at a crucial juncture not only lifted his team but also reasserted his reputation as a match-winner.
With 45 Man of the Match awards in T20 cricket, Shakib’s record places him among the elite, trailing only Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard, and Glenn Maxwell. In tournament and series contexts, his eight Player of the Series awards make him unparalleled.
Shakib credited the team’s strategy for his batting approach, saying, “I knew my role was to anchor the innings. Our side has explosive hitters, so my job was to play my part responsibly. The team’s performance is what matters most.”
From meticulous spin bowling to responsible batting, Shakib’s performance epitomised cricketing excellence, underlining his status as a player who can influence games on both fronts.