Important to seize the momentum as early as possible: Shakib-Al-Hasan

Shakib-Al-Hasan seemed to be critical of his own form but gave his side a good shot in their game against India. (Source: Reuters)

Acknowledging that the World Cup quarterfinal against defending champions India is perhaps the “biggest match” for the Bangladeshi players, all-rounder Shakib-Al-Hasan on Tuesday said it is important for his team to look at it as “just another game” to do well. (Full Coverage| Points table| Fixtures)

“Maybe you can say that this is the biggest match of our careers because this is the first time we are playing in a World Cup quarterfinal. At the same time, we need to understand that it’s just another game of cricket,” Shakib told reporters here.

The MCG is expected to be packed to capacity and the majority will be Indian fans but Shakib is not perturbed by the noise that can be generated by 75,000 odd fans of the blue brigade.

“I have a bit of an idea about crowd pressure having played for Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL. Even a packed Eden Gardens will have around 70,000 people. I know what that can be like. But yes, how the experience at MCG will be I won’t be knowing unless I go out there in the middle,” said the world’s No.1 all-rounder in ICC rankings.

Shakib admitted that playing for KKR in the IPL has helped him as a cricketer and it will enable him to plan against the likes of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Virat Kohli or Suresh Raina.

“Obviously, having played in the IPL will help me plan well against these players. Also I can pass on information to my teammates which will be beneficial. Actually, all the top six of Indian line-up are world class players and potential game-changers. We have to ensure that they can’t build big partnerships and also more important ones among the six get out early,” the 27-year-old lad from Jessore district in Bangladesh said.

The all-rounder said that he had indeed watched India’s run-chase against Zimbabwe and felt that it was Dhoni’s composure that won them the match.

“Dhoni is someone who doesn’t panic that much. That was the calmness they needed and was key to how they chased that total down,” he said in praise for the rival captain.

When asked about Virender Sehwag’s comments before last World Cup about Bangladesh being an “ordinary side”, he chose to play down the issue.

“I don’t think in a World Cup any team takes any other team lightly. It’s a quarterfinal. It’s a one-off game. I guess no one will take anyone lightly. We’re doing well. Our confidence is pretty high.”

Individually Shakib hasn’t had the best of World Cup so far after managing just 186 runs and 7 wickets from 5 games and the all-rounder was realistic in his own assessment.

“Well, I would say it has been an okay sort of World Cup for me. I could have done better in batting but I am satisfied with my bowling. But still there is a lot of scope for improvement and also there is no limit to what you can contribute for your team.”

Bangladesh, who lost their only match at the MCG in this edition against Sri Lanka, managed only 240 in response to the islanders’ score of 332 for one and Shakib termed the Melbourne wicket as a “good batting track”.

On being quizzed about the par-score on this track, Shakib said, “It’s difficult before match starts. I can assess the pitch once match starts. But what I have seen in recent times, 300 plus scores are a trend. So if a team bats first, any total in the range of 280-320 would be a commendable one.

Also at MCG, you need to have a good arm to throw from the deep.”

On whether Bangladesh can repeat the feat of 2007, when the Tigers outplayed India by 5 wickets to push the Rahul Dravid-led side out of the tournament, Shakib said, “It’s a thing of the past and we have to focus on Wenesday’s match. It’s important for us to start well and seize the momentum as early as possible.”

Shakib also praised Mashrafe Mortaza’s captaincy and said that the pace spearhead has gelled well with the juniors in the team.

“He’s (Mashrafe) someone who always talks to the young players and keeps motivating them. He’s very friendly with everyone; he’s close to everyone. A player can go up to him and say whatever he feels like. That’s a good sign.”

The key to Bangladesh doing well this year has been their preparation, feels the veteran of 37 Tests, 146 ODIs and 35 T20 Internationals.

“This year, we’re well-prepared. I’m not saying we didn’t prepare well enough in 2011 but the important thing was for us to win the first game. It got us going and we never looked back from there. There are so many performers in this World Cup whereas in the last one you could count only two or three,” he said.

He was the captain in 2011 and he is the vice-captain now but it doesn’t relieve him from his responsibilities of being an elder statesman in the team.

“As vice-captain I have a leadership role to play. If I feel anything at any point, I will go and tell the captain. You can also motivate the players.”

The reason for winning 2007 World Cup match and 2012 Asia Cup, both wins against India, is playing “fearless cricket”.

“We all want to play that brand of cricket that we did. So far in this World Cup we’ve been doing it. If we do exactly what we did against England and New Zealand, I think we’ll have a very good game.”

Shakib also sought to play down the expectations from the people back home.

“In the sub-continent, people always expect a lot from you. Because we’re playing well, there is expectation. But we need to focus on the game. If we play well, the result will take care of itself. It doesn’t matter whether we win or lose if we play to our potential.”

Source:: Indian Express