Shakib again ahead of the curve?

Both India and Pakistan were fined for slow over rates during the Asia Cup 2022 game in Dubai on Saturday. Both teams failed to complete their overs in the stipulated time and were forced to field an extra fielder inside the 30-yard circle.

The ICC recently implemented changes to their T20 playing conditions to combat slow over rates and that had an impact on the game amidst the sweltering heat in Dubai.

Bangladesh could face similar challenges, but it was learned that newly-appointed T20 captain Shakib Al Hasan was quite vigilant about the issue.

During the two practice matches in Mirpur before the team departed for Dubai, Shakib ensured that his side finished the first practice game seven minutes ahead of time. In the second game, the team Shakib led finished their quota of overs six minutes before the stipulated time.

Overall, Bangladesh have fared well at managing over rates given their spinning options.

While Pakistan had Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan discussing field settings, it might work in Bangladesh's favour that Shakib usually is quick to act about field settings. The all-rounder even quipped in a recent press conference before the team's departure for UAE that he relied on Mushfiqur Rahim's judgement.

Bangladesh were fined for slow over rate in the second ODI against Zimbabwe recently but amidst the heat, overcoming the risk of slow over rate could be decisive.