Shakib’s another downfall

Shakib Al Hasan is unarguably the best cricketer that Bangladesh has ever produced. Over the years, he has been instrumental to Bangladesh’s many success in international cricketer. Even just a year ago, he was the undisputed number one all-rounder in all three formats of the game.

But things are not going good for him for quite a while now. After having had some forgettable outing in the Zimbabwe series and the Pakistan Super Leaue (PSL), Shakib has failed to to leave a mark in the recently concluded Micromax Asia Cup T20 2016 in Dhaka as well. With the bat in five innings, he was able to score only 77 runs in total on course of the competition, reports bdcricteam.

Neither was he as good as his stature in bowling. As the pitch was not helpful for the spinners, and hardly provided any turn, Shakib couldn’t pick more than five wickets. He was also a bit clumsy in the outfield.

Many believes he was the main culprit behind Bangladesh’s defeat in the tournament opener against India. Had he not dropped the catch of Rohit Sharma, the outcome of the battle could have been different. Overall, Shakib’s performance in the Asia Cup was not ‘Shakibasque’ at all. And therefore, it has affected in the rankings as well.

Shakib, previously ranked 22nd in ICC T20 Batting Ranking, has dropped three position to 25th with rating points of 543. In the process, he is no more Bangladesh’s highest-ranked batsman. He lost it to Sabbir Rahman, the Man of the Tournament, who is now at 20th position in the ranking courtesy to his run-tally of 176 in the tournament.

Shakib is also no more the best T20 all-rounder in the world. He is at the second position with 339 points, trailing Australia’s Shane Watson by just one point.

However, Shakib has got some good news in the T20 Bowling Ranking. He has improved one place, and is now at 9th position with 625 points to his credit.