T20 World Cup 2021: Shakib Al Hasan available for Bangladesh’s Group B game against Scotland

Veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is available for Bangladesh’s Group B game against Scotland on Monday, October 17, skipper Mahmudullah Riyad said. Shakib will be going into the tournament, having last played for Kolkata Knight Riders in the 2021 IPL final on October 15. It was reported that Shakib would be travelling by road to join the Tigers in Oman.

Mahmudullah, Bangladesh’s most successful T20I skipper, said that Shakib is a tad worn out, but is in contention to feature against Kyle Coetzer and Co. in Al Amerat. The Magura-born Shakib didn’t take part in the two warm-up matches against Sri Lanka and Ireland as he was busy fulfilling his duties in the IPL in the UAE.

“Shakib is available. Probably he is a bit tired after coming back from the IPL but he is there with us,” Mahmudullah was quoted as saying to the reporters, Cricbuzz reported.

‘We are not concerned about Mushfiqur’s form, says Mahmudullah

Bangladesh lost both their warm-up games, but Mahmudullah sounded adamant about his team’s chances in the World Cup. The skipper showed faith in the skills of the players going into the multi-nation tournament.

“I am not bothered what others are saying and I feel as a team we have the ability. We are not bothered about the practice games as we missed few players and now, we know what we have to do,” he stated.

“We will play hard cricket and if we can play to our potential result will take care of itself. We have to cross a few barriers and we want to go step by step and I hope if we can play good cricket tomorrow, we can go a long way.”

Mahmudullah also backed Mushfiqur Rahim to find form in the World Cup after the latter has gone through a lean patch over the last few months.

“We are not concerned about Mushfiqur’s form and he will come back. He just needs one good innings to regain his form and it might be tomorrow,” Mahmudullah added.

Bangladesh, the ICC’s No.6 ranked T20I team, will be going into the World Cup after series wins against Zimbabwe, Australia and New Zealand.