We have to qualify first, says Shakib
The 26-run win over Oman in the second qualifier game on Tuesday came as a massive relief for Bangladesh team after the shocking six-run defeat against Scotland which kick-started the Tigers' ICC T20 World Cup campaign.
However, the Tigers are still yet to cement their place in the Super 12 stage as Mahmudullah Riyad and his troops will not only have to win against Papua New Guinea in their last group game but also keep an eye on their net run-rate.
Star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan remained instrumental with both bat and ball against Oman, where he scored a crucial 29-ball 42 followed by picking up three wickets while conceding 28 runs from his four overs.
The Tigers went ahead into the flagship event with high hopes of even reaching the semifinals. So, when asked about whether the dreams have now shrinked with the way things have panned out in the qualifying stage for Bangladesh so far, Shakib replied in his usual fashion.
"We have previously stated our dream before coming here. Do dreams change frequently? Our first objective is to qualify for the Super 12 and then we'll think about the semi-final.
"When we travel from the country, we need to have big dreams. And had we mentioned that we were going to lose all the games, would that have made you happy then?
"We might have never won a game yet in the main phase of the T20 World Cup and from that point, there will be an opportunity for us. But for that, we have to qualify first," Shakib told the media after the game yesterday.
Meanwhile, after the defeat against Scotland, Bangladesh Cricket Board president Nazmul Hassan had given quite a few suggestions to the team, be it regarding the batting department or in the formation of the playing eleven.
According to Shakib, at times the instructions from the BCB boss actually help the team to perform well.
"Since Papon bhai [Nazmul Hassan] is so much involved with the game, he shares his suggestion to everyone. We try to follow those suggestions; where at times it works and sometimes it may not. Often, those suggestions are not bad, in fact, they are useful," Shakib said.
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