Have been working on my batting for last month and a half: Shakib

Bangladesh ace allrounder Shakib Al Hasan powered Bangladesh to their highest ever ODI run-chase -- equalling their previous best of chasing 322 against Scotland in the 2015 World Cup -- by smashing a brilliant century in Tigers' seven-wicket rout over the West Indies at the Coopers Associates Ground in Taunton today.

Shakib, who remained unbeaten on 124 off just 99 deliveries, had scripted a magnificent unbeaten 189-run fourth-wicket stand with Liton Das. Liton, who was playing his first World Cup game in this edition after being picked ahead of Mohammad Mithun for this game, proved his worth as he partnered Shakib well. The right-hander remained unbeaten on 94 off 69 deliveries.

Shakib, who moved atop of the World Cup run-getters' list, scoring 384 runs in the four matches he played with a staggering average of 128 in the mega event, said that he has been working hard on his batting.    

"To stay at the wicket till the end was the most satisfying thing for me. I have been working on my batting for last month and a half and it's paying off," said Shakib after the game.

Shakib however refused to take the all credits of such a spectacular win.

"I think it was a team effort. We restricted the West Indies to a reasonable total and at the end of the innings we had the belief that if we bat well then we can chase that run."

Shakib, who has been in tremendous form batting at number three explained why he needed that change.

"I know if I bat at 3 I'll get more opportunities, more time to bat. What happens is that sometimes if I bat at 5, I come in at the 30th over or 40th over, which I felt is not ideal for me." Said the number one ODI allrounder.

Shakib, who has been a sensation with the bat in the game and in fact throughout the tournament, has somewhat had average outings with the ball so far. He returned figures of 54 for two from eight overs. However, the left-armer thought that he could still get better in that department.

"I'm working on my bowling too. At this moment I'm doing okay but I can certainly get better." concluded an ambitious and optimistic Shakib.