Shakib may play

TIME TO BEAT THE PAIN BARRIER! Abahani's world's best all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan (L) talks with teammate and former national left-arm spinner Mohammad Rafique at the club's Dhanmondi tent yesterday. Shakib is likely to play in Abahani's all-important Premier T20 semifinal against bitter rivals Mohammedan today. Photo: STAR

Star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is all set to return to action to boost Abahani as traditional rivals Mohammedan and Abahani clash in the first semifinal of the Big Boss Premier Twenty20 League at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur today.
Shakib, who struck a record-equalling transfer deal along with Mashrafe Bin Mortaza and Mohammedan's Tamim Iqbal, remained out of action to nurse a groin injury since he guided Bangladesh to 4-1 win in Zimbabwe in August.
In the absence of injured duo Mashrafe and Shakib, Abahani almost faced an early elimination. And they rode their luck to reach the last four as Group B runners-up only to set up the match against the perennial foes who, with an all-win record, progressed as champions from Group A.
"Shakib is fit for the semifinal as he completed his healing period," Abahani's cricket official Jalal Yunus informed. "He was also fit for the last group match, but we waited for the next match. It is not that he has decided to play the game defying injury for the sake of the club."
When contacted, Shakib said that he would undergo a fitness test before the match and play the semifinal only after he was declared fit.
Jalal said that his club has little expectation from the side as they were almost going to miss the semifinals. He added that he told the players in team meeting that they had been given a gift by the God and they should try to use it.
Shakib also believes Abahani will play without any pressure and try to execute their plan.
"I have no personal expectation from the match, but want to play my natural game," said Shakib, who also believed that Tamim has been the lone performer for Mohammedan.
Tamim made 245 runs in five group match at a staggering average of 61.
"Our top-order is playing good cricket at the moment and I think that is the key for success in Twenty20 cricket. But I am not getting complacent as anything can happen in this format," said Mohammedan's Khaled Mashud.
Satellite television Desh TV will telecast both the semifinals live from the venue. The first semifinal will start at 2:30 while the second match between Gazi Tank Cricketers and Khelaghar SKS starts 6:30pm at the same venue.