On Sunday night, Bangladesh will meet against India in the 2018 Nidahas Trophy final at R.Premadasa Stadium. While Bangladesh has never beaten India in T20I, Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan believes that they can win in the final as they have the momentum.
After mentioning the Indian team as a strong side, Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan also said that they have the momentum which can lead them in the final. He quoted, “India are a very good side but we have the momentum, so hopefully we can continue the performance.”
Also read: Hot Head Shakib Brings Disrepute To the Gentlemen’s Game
Talking about their previous game against Sri Lanka on Friday night, Shakib said, “You can’t expect more than that in a T20 game. There was everything. Emotions, drama, everything. We are lucky to be on the winning side.
“Kusal Perera and Thisara Perera batted very well, got themselves into a winning position. I had only one hit before I came into the game, so I knew I wasn’t 100%. It was important to rotate the strike and give it to Mahmudullah. This is one of our best innings in the last five overs.”
Earlier, Shakib Al Hasan apologised for his controversial reaction in that game. Along with Nurul Hasan, Shakib received one demerit point for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct and also had 25% match fees fine.
Mahmudullah told that Shakib’s return in the squad brought a big boost to the team. Mahmudullah was the hero of the previous game where he played an unbeaten 43 runs knock off 18 balls. When Bangladesh needed 12 runs in last 4 balls, he delivered the match-winning batting performance.
Also read: Kusal Perera praised Mahmudullah for the match-winning knock
Talking about Shakib Al Hasan’s return in the squad, Mahmudullah said, “When Shakib came into the team that was a big boost. My plan was to strike the ball as hard as I can. To see the ball properly and try to hit accordingly. I was quite nervous (in the last few overs).
“When I and Shakib were there, I was at ease but Shakib’s wicket put pressure on me. Other guys came up to me and believed that we’ll do it.”
Talking about the controversial situation in the last over, Mahmudullah said, “The confusion was that the ball (Mustafizur’s wicket ball) would be the first bumper (sic) of the over but it’s in the past now, so let’s forget it.”
