Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan found his rhythm in the IL T20 League on his third match, delivering a masterclass with both ball and bat to guide MI Emirates to victory.
Making his debut in the tournament, Shakib had struggled in his first two games. With the bat, he managed only 16 runs from 12 balls in one match, prompting the team management to send him down the order. With the ball, he had conceded 27 and 20 runs in two overs across the initial encounters, failing to make a significant impact.
However, in today’s contest against Desert Vipers at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Shakib turned the tide decisively. Bowling four overs, he conceded just 14 runs and claimed two crucial wickets, maintaining a miserly economy rate without giving away a single boundary. Remarkably, half of his 24 deliveries were dot balls, demonstrating exceptional control and tactical precision.
Shakib was introduced into the attack in the seventh over. On the final ball of that over, he claimed his first wicket in the IL T20, stumping a key Pakistani batsman. He continued his dominance, picking up a second wicket in the following over.
In the ninth over, the English all-rounder Sam Curran fell to a spectacular forward catch taken by Shakib. The left-arm spinner continued to restrict runs, conceding just three runs in the 11th and 15th overs respectively, frustrating the Vipers’ batting line-up.
Shakib’s disciplined bowling helped restrict Desert Vipers to 124 for 7 in their 20 overs, leaving the target achievable yet competitive. Chasing 125, MI Emirates lost six wickets but reached the target with 15 balls to spare, securing a four-wicket victory.
With the bat, Shakib contributed an unbeaten 17 runs, ensuring the team crossed the line comfortably. His all-round performance not only provided the breakthrough with the ball but also anchored the chase, showcasing why he remains one of the most formidable all-rounders in modern cricket.
Optional Table: Shakib Al Hasan’s Performance vs Desert Vipers
| Discipline | Overs | Runs Conceded | Wickets | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bowling | 4 | 14 | 2 | No boundaries, 12 dot balls |
| Batting | – | 17* | – | Unbeaten, helped secure victory |
| Economy Rate | – | 3.50 | – | Highly economical spell |