Can Rakibul become the next Rafique or Shakib?

Bangladesh have long celebrated left-arm spinning all-rounders -- from the trailblazing Mohammad Rafique to the iconic Shakib Al Hasan. Now, another name is quietly entering the conversation: Rakibul Hasan.

Known primarily for his left-arm spin, Rakibul is beginning to showcase the kind of all-round ability that could one day earn him a similar status. His recent match-winning performances with both bat and ball in the emerging team suggest that Bangladesh may have found a new dual-threat talent in the making.

While his bowling credentials were already well established, having made more than an impression in the recent Dhaka Premier League (DPL), where he finished as the joint highest wicket-taker with 30 wickets alongside his Abahani Limited team-mate Mosaddek Hossain.

But little was known about his ability with the bat, which finally came to light during the emerging team's three-match one-day series against South Africa, where he played two crucial innings of 24 not out and 42, both contributing to his side's victories in Rajshahi.

"I think playing in the DPL really helped me a lot. I'm happy to contribute to the team's victories," Rakibul told The Daily Star yesterday, as his side reached Chattogram from Rajshahi to play the opening four-day match of a two-match series against the same opponents.

In the series opener, Rakibul walked in with Bangladesh at 263 for seven, chasing 302. He smashed 24 off just 10 balls, including three sixes, sealing the win with two deliveries to spare.

Rested for the second game to allow squad rotation, Rakibul returned for the decider and once again made an impact. This time, the home team were in deeper trouble at 118 for eight. His 40-ball 42, in an 84-run partnership with Mahfuzur Rahman Rabby, helped the hosts post 225 -- a total that proved more than enough.

He followed up his rescue act with the bat by taking four for 26 in 10 overs, helping secure a 34-run victory and the series, ending with five wickets at an economy of 3.25.

Rakibul acknowledged that his work with High Performance batting coach Rajin Saleh had paid off, and that he is "not worried" about getting a national team call-up yet; even though many of his 2020 U-19 World Cup-winning team-mates have already made the step up.

Rajin, however, sees Rakibul as a potential all-round option for the senior side.

"Rakibul worked with me last year in the HP unit," the former Bangladesh player informed. "With the maturity and experience he has now, if he works on a few areas and performs consistently well, he has the potential to serve Bangladesh as a quality all-rounder."