Shanto coming thru’, punch by punch

Batter Najmul Hossain Shanto has been on song and having prevailed under scorching criticism, he has found courage and belief in his own abilities. A scorching fifty in the first T20I in Chattogram had set Bangladesh's momentum towards a series win and the southpaw stayed there till the end in Dhaka, guiding the Tigers through a critical chase.

The going had been tough as the wicket slowed down considerably during the chase. Timing proved to be difficult but Shanto showed application in rotating the strike, getting the matchups in his favour and partnering Mehedi Miraz well during a 41-run stand. When Moeen Ali came in the 15th over, Miraz whipped one over deep mid-wicket for a six and Shanto scooped one through backward point to find a four and that is where the game started swinging the Tigers' way.

With all recognised batters back in the hut, Shanto held his own with Taskin Ahmed for company. Needing 13 off the last two overs, he pulled Chris Jordan off the very first delivery to take the pressure off. His running between the wickets was also on par after a brilliant effort in the field and the unbeaten 46 was instrumental to Bangladesh getting over the ropes. Punch by punch, Shanto has turned a crucial figure and impressive has been the manner of his transformation.