Shakib praises pace bowlers

Bangladesh T20 skipper Shakib Al Hasan heaped praise on his pace bowlers after a nine-run win against the Netherlands in their opening match of the T20 World Cup in Hobart today. 

"We were 10 runs short but the way our pacers bowled was tremendous. We understand the importance of fast bowling now, across formats. We've found talent, Hasan's (Mahmud) new, Taskin's developed well in the past few years," said Shakib during a post-match presentation ceremony.

Despite the Tigers scoring 43 runs for no loss in five overs after asked to bat, the Netherlands did well to restrict Bangladesh to 144 for eight on a gloomy day at Bellerive Oval.

However, player-of-the-match Taskin Ahmed ensured the Netherlands' chase got off to a dreadful start as he removed opener Vikramjit Singh and number three Bas de Leede with the first two balls of the innings and then finished with a figure of 4-25.

Hasan took two wickets for 15 runs in 4 overs, that involved a wicket-maiden as well, as the Netherlands were bundled out for 135 runs.
"It was an important win, I've played all editions but haven't won," Shakib added.

The Bangladesh captain, however, acknowledged his side's fielding efforts. "We want to be the best fielding side given we have a young team. We have the belief that we can save 5-10 runs which can make a big difference," he said.

Scott Edwards, Netherlands captain, blamed the two untimely run outs behind the defeat.

"Bowlers were amazing, they were 10-15 short. The run outs were poor, Colin and Edwards did well. We're looking forward to the India challenge," said Edwards.

Up next, Bangladesh play South Africa in their next Super 12 match in Sydney on Thursday, while the Netherlands face India.