NEWS
Follow UsBangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto has not been in the best of form in the T20 World Cup 2024, having registered scores of 7, 14, and 1 in the three innings so far. However, Tanzim Hasan Sakib has backed his skipper, saying that he is a hardworking person and the team enjoys playing under his leadership.
"Shanto is working very hard in practice to get back to his form. He is a very hardworking person. I think he is one of the most hardworking people and he's a dedicated and passionate player on our national team," Tanzim said ahead of their crucial game against Nepal.
"He is trying his heart and soul to get back his form. As a captain, he is very determined and supportive. We all appreciate him. We all enjoy his captaincy. He keeps everyone organised, even off the field, in the field, everywhere. So, I would say it was a very good side of him."
The fast bowler has also confirmed that their game against Nepal will be played on a fresh wicket with some grass on it. In the previous match between Nepal and South Africa, 12 of the 13 wickets picked up by the bowlers in that game went to the spinners, but it may not be as spin-friendly as it was this time around.
"If we are going to play on the same wicket, we could say it's going to be a battle of spin. But we are playing a completely different wicket, a fresh wicket. So we will expect normal behaviour," he said.
"We are not thinking anything differently until we bowl the first ball. After bowling the first ball, we might be able to read the pitch. The bowlers can give the information after bowling their first ball, and after the batsmen play it, they might be able to pass information to the dugout. So, until we bowl the first ball, we are not going to decide anything. We are thinking positively about the wicket.
"We saw the wicket, and there was some grass in the wicket, and it seemed a bit hard. So, until the first ball, we can't say anything. Maybe after the first ball, we can say something about the wicket," he further added.
Tanzim may not have played in the tournament had Shoriful Islam been fit right from the beginning. Tanzim says he does not think along those lines. "If I had to play a match, I would try to give my best. I prepare myself for the match. If I don't get a chance to play for the team combination, that's a different issue," the 21-year-old said.
"But I am always prepared to play the game. Whenever I get a chance to play a match, I try to give my 100 percent in batting, bowling, fielding, all the places. I always try so that the team gets the maximum from me and that's my job. I want to give my 100% on the field for the team."
For Bangladesh, the qualification scenario is simple: They beat Nepal, they are through. However, if they lose, it will all come down to how the Netherlads fare against Sri Lanka.
If you’ve not downloaded the Cricket.com app yet, you’re missing out — big time. Play Fantasy on Cricket.com NOW! Download the App here.
