‘No joke being number 1 all-rounder for 10-12 years’ - Mahmudullah backs Shakib to shrug off his lean patch

Shakib Al Hasan is an iconic figure in Bangladesh cricket. The number one all-rounder in ODIs has paved way for some emphatic victories for Bangladesh. However, his form of late hasn't been that great. Shakib had a mediocre IPL and hasn't looked at ease in the ongoing ODI series against Sri Lanka. He is the only player from the senior quartet of Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah and himself who has not scored a fifty in the ongoing series.

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Despite the lack of runs, Mahmudullah Riyad is not concerned about Shakib's form and has backed the ace all-rounder to come good in the final ODI.

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"There is not much to say about Shakib. He knows his game. It is no joke that a guy has been the number one all-rounder for the last 10-12 years. He knows when to bat and how much batting will benefit him. He got a good start in the first ODI, but unfortunately, he could not cash in on it. But I am certain that he will play better in tomorrow's game," said Mahmudullah after today's practice session in Mirpur.

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Shakib scored a sluggish 15 in the first ODI before scoring a three-ball duck in the second game. However, backed by an outstanding display of batsmenship by Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah, Bangladesh managed to take an unassailable 2-0 lead over Sri Lanka. Despite the series in their pocket, Mahmudullah said that Bangladesh won't take Sri Lanka lightly in the final game and will aim to clean sweep the islanders. Following the series win, Bangladesh have strengthened their position in the ICC ODI Super League.

"Every match is important as each match would now account for points that would help us qualify for the <2023 ODI> World Cup. Now we have another chance to grab ten points more, so why not?" added Mahmudullah.

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