Bangladesh stunned the world after beating Australia 4-1 in the recently concluded five-match T20I series. Bangladesh had taken an unassailable lead of 3-0, before slumping to a defeat in the fourth match. They however, bounced back in the final match.
The spinning pitches meant Australia struggled to score runs and registered their lowest ever T20I score for 62, while chasing a moderate target of 123 runs in the final match of the series.
Player of the Series Shakib al Hasan said that the series-win would give them a lot of confidence going into the upcoming T20 World Cup.
"Even though the scorecard doesn't show it but it would definitely make us much more confident for the upcoming T20 WC. There is also an upcoming series against New Zealand," Shakib al Hasan said in the post-match presentation.
"I think it will be good preparation. Maybe the batsmen wouldn't be able to score many runs, as we've been playing on slow, low and turning wickets, but at the end of the day, winning is the most important (thing). If we have confidence in ourselves, then the morale of the team will also be at a higher place, and our winning mentality will grow in the process,” he added.
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The all-rounder added that the team had an added motivation to play against teams that do not tour Bangladesh regularly.
"We feel an added motivation to play against the teams that don't often tour Bangladesh regularly. After a successful tour of Zimbabwe, every one of us was motivated that they have to play well in this series as we had never won a series against Australia," he said.
Bangladesh dominated the series despite missing seniors like Mushfiqur Rahim, Tamim Iqbal, and Litton das. Australia too had fielded a weakened side.
"Obviously it's a plus point for us, that we won this series without some of our star players. Naturally, it will make us more competitive (when the other players return), and the healthy competition we need within the team to make us stronger will also begin,” Shakib said.
In the final T20I, Shakib al Hasan became only the second bowler to take 100 T20I wickets, behind Lasith Malinga. He also became the only player to have scored 1000 runs and pick 100 wickets in the format. He was delighted to speak about the achievement.
"It definitely feels good when I earn an achievement like this, as personal achievements always motivate me to play even better for the team," he pointed out.
"But it wouldn't have been possible if I hadn't had the help from all the teammates I have played with throughout my career. Their support, along with the support from the coaching staff, the audience, was very important for me. I'm very happy, and I'd like to contribute to the team for a long time," he concluded.
(Cricbuzz inputs)
