After Bangladesh’s shocking T20I series loss to USA, veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan claimed that there are no small or big teams in the shortest format of the game.

Notably, Bangladesh suffered a six-run defeat at the hands of USA in the second T20I in Houston on Thursday (May 23). As a result, the hosts took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Reflecting on the humiliating series loss, Shakib called it unexpected and termed it as a ‘wake up’ call for the side ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024, slated to be held in the West Indies and USA from June 1 to June 29.

"Certainly it is disappointing and we didn't expect it but we must give credit to the US team for the way they have played. I think no one expected that we would lose two games. Any match you lose as a team is disappointing and you don't want to lose a game and obviously it is very disappointing. But having said that we have to play the World Cup and this series might be a wake-up call for us as we haven't played the way we want to play,” Shakib said in the post-match press conference.

Further speaking ahead, Shakib highlighted the unpredictability of T20 cricket, citing that there are no small or big teams in it which makes it way more exciting than other formats.

"It's a team game and everyone has to take the responsibility - you win as a team and you lose as a team. I don't want to blame any particular person or any particular department. It's just that T20 is such a format you have to play very good cricket in all three departments to win against any team. There are no small or big teams in T20 cricket and that's why it is more exciting than any other format. And the proof of that is in the last two games the way US played,” he added.

On a personal front, Shakib Al Hasan hasn’t had the best of time in the T20I series against USA. He has scored just 36 runs from two innings and is yet to take a wicket in the series so far.

The third and final T20I between USA and Bangladesh will be played in Houston on Saturday (May 25).