Mehidy got his chance and proved himself: Shakib

It is the second time that Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who started his career as an off-spinner, was opening the batting for Bangladesh in an ODI. The team management believed in him in a do-or-die game and the all-rounder responded to the faith with a century. It was his second hundred overall in 50-over cricket, the first one coming against India a few months ago. 

Mehidy’s growth as a batter in recent times and his control of the ball have raised his stocks in the Bangladesh cricket setup. 

“He (Mehidy) got his chance up and order and proved himself. We knew Mehidy had the ability and he has a good record against Bangladesh,” Shakib said in praise of the all-rounder in the post-match presentation. 

Mehedi acknowledged the team management’s belief in his abilities as well, as he said, “The team management believed in me so I played well today. It was a good wicket, the ball was coming well onto the bat nicely”. 

Shakib praised his bowlers as well, especially his pacers, who took 8 out of the 10 wickets on a pitch where the opposition pacers went for a lot of runs. 

“The fast bowlers have been bowling really well. This win will give them a lot of confidence”, Shakib added in the post-match presentation. 

Bangladesh is now done with their first-round games, and will now await the result of the Afghanistan vs. Sri Lanka game on the 5th of September to know if they’ll make it to the super fours stage.