Current crop best so far: Shakib

Bangladesh's recently-appointed T20 International skipper and ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan rated the current cricketing side as the best of all time and emphasized that the Tigers need to improve on their performances in the shortest format of the game going forward.

“We have a few good batsmen, good pacers, and good spinners too. I feel this team of ours is the best so far,” Shakib told reporters on the sidelines of a promotional programme, according to The Free Press Journal.

“I don’t have any complaints. Our cricket is on the right track. Our performance in the last two years is a testimony to that fact,” the southpaw, who took over the reins as T20 captain from fast bowler Mashrafe Mortaza on April 22, said.

Shakib added that Bangladesh’s group in the Champions Trophy is the toughest and Australia and England are pre-tournament favourites. Bangladesh have Australia, New Zealand and England in Group A.

“I feel our group is more tough. All teams are good but Australia, England are tough opponents. South Africa always do well. We are confident of doing well in a world event so that people remember our show.”

Bangladesh, who have long come out of the shadow as minnows, became the fourth team to win on their 100th Test match, away to Sri Lanka earlier this year.