Shakib Al Hasan lauded all team members after remarkable win in the first Test.
Veteran Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan hailed the Tigers for their historic win over New Zealand in the first Test of the ongoing two-match Test series earlier this week and was happy that the team did well in his absence against the World Test champions.
Shakib took a leave from the ongoing New Zealand tour to spend time with his family, and he was happy that his absence didn’t affect Bangladesh’s performance against the Kiwis, saying the first Test win proves that the Tigers don't have to rely just on the senior players alone.
Bangladesh defeated New Zealand by eight wickets in the first Test at the Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui on Wednesday, January 5 to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series, with the second and final Test to be held at the Hagley Oval, Christchurch, on January 9.
As reported by ESPNcricinfo, Shakib said: “I don't think my presence was necessarily important (in New Zealand). I am actually happy that they did it without me. Not just me... (But the others too). I think what really delighted me was that the notion, particularly in the media, that not many players apart from the four or five senior ones can win games for the team - that will be changed. If they are handed the responsibility, these youngsters will play better.”
He signed off by saying, “We made an unbelievable start to 2022. I am very happy. Credit goes to all the players and coaching staff for playing well under so much pressure and in these conditions. Everyone tried hard. This was always going to be a challenging year after a difficult time in 2021 for us. I hope we can continue in this manner. Bangladesh do not this well all the time.”
Notably, it was Bangladesh’s first-ever win in New Zealand and against the Kiwis, as well as their first-ever test win against a top-five team in the world.
(With ANI Inputs)