When Tigers were reeling at 33 for 4, many fans switched off their television and were certain Bangladesh was heading for a certain defeat against New Zealand on Sunday at Cardiff.
After the match when commentator Ian Bishop in a post match conference asked them what were they thinking when Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah Riyad reached the crease with Bangladesh at 33 for four, the heroes of match Mahmudullah and Shakib Al Hasan in an answer said they didn’t talk too much, we just wanted to bat on, according
ICC websites.
Both of them said, that they did not talk, but their bats did and the result was an incredible 224-run fifth-wicket partnership which enabled Tigers to record a historic five wickets victory in their Champions Trophy match against New Zealand in Cardiff on Friday.
“The best thing about our partnership was we didn’t talk too much, we just wanted to bat. We were just batting and wanted to be positive. Early on it was swinging. Once it stopped swinging, it was easier to bat. I think Tamim batted superbly in this meet but losing him early on was a bit of a shock.
“But just hung on and made sure bad balls were punished, Mahmudullah, who scored an unbeaten 102, said after the match. Mahmudullah Riyad was seen leaping in the air and shouting as soon Mosaddek hit the winning run.
Riyad told Bishop It was Shakib’s knock which inspired him, as Shakib in the middle over bowled tight line resulting a run out William When Bishop asked Shakib Al Hasan to rate his innings in the context of your career, He said, ” Whenever I play well and receive a man of the match award I think that this is my best innings.
“But obviously it feels good to contribute to the team and also on a personal level it’s a big achievement to score a hundred in an ICC tournament.
I think overall it’s a big achievement for the whole team and you know it’s a big step up. This win will give us a lot of confidence to get the belief that we can win matches from any situation in future, so this will be a big example going forward.
When asked whether he was thinking about the semifinal, Shakib said, Actually it’s not in our hands as it will all depend on the game between Australia and England. Obviously everyone will support England but there is no point supporting unless Australia loses; if it happens then it will be a huge achievement for us. I think even if we are not able to qualify but still this tournament will remain a big achievement.
