We believe we can win: Shakib
First Published : 16 Mar 2012, 23:10
Last Modified : 16 Mar 2012, 23:10
Mirpur, Mar 16: Bangladesh produced a terrific performance with the bat to beat India by five wickets in the fourth match of the Asia Cup. A combined batting effort from Tamim Iqbal (70), Jahurul Islam (53), Nasir Hossain (54), Shakib Al Hasan (49) and Mushfiqur Rahim (46*) helped the hosts register their first win of the competition, a rare triumph against sub-continental giants India.
Bangladesh’s win keeps their final qualification hopes alive. Skipper Mushfiqur Rahim, and Man-of-the-Match Shakib Al Hasan, reflected on their landmark win during the presentation ceremony.
Excerpts
Shakib Al Hasan
On the win over India
I am very happy; it was a great team performance. Although we didn’t start off well with the ball, we came back well. The way we batted was really good – when we needed to take risks we did that accordingly. Mushfiq [Mushfiqur Rahim], Tamim [Iqbal] and Nasir [Hossain] played really well. I am a very happy man now.
On his innings
My innings was crucial in the sense that I gave them the belief that we can win the game. […] I can feel proud because I am playing for Bangladesh. We’ll enjoy tonight and be ready for Sri Lanka in the next game.
On being promoted up the order
I and Nasir [Hossain] played well upfront; we were supposed to bat at No. 5 and 6. Nasir played well and I thought the way he built his innings was excellent.
On what one can expect next from Bangladesh
I think if we win [against Sri Lanka], we have a good chance of qualifying for the final. We have to see what happens in the next game between India and Pakistan. But we don’t want to depend on others. Now we have the belief [that we can] beat Sri Lanka.
Mushfiqur Rahim
On the win over India
It is a huge moment for us. Five years back, one of our ex-cricketers – Manjural Islam – died on this day. We want to dedicate this win to him.
On the momentum shifting in Bangladesh’s favour
I think we had a great chat last night. I think our bowlers did a good job; even our fielding was up to the mark. So it’s a great win for us.
On finally finishing a game off
We had a goal [coming out of] the last match – we didn’t want to make the same mistake that we made in our last match [against Pakistan]. I think it was a great finish.
On his quickfire innings
A win under your belt makes you very confident and we really appreciate our win. As long as we are performing and the team is winning, we are very happy.
On the crowd support
Thank you to the crowd. They really supported us all the way. Hopefully they’ll do the same in our next match.
