Shakib is mentally very strong: Tamim

Bangladesh ODI skipper Tamim Iqbal was full of praise for Shakib Al Hasan as the champion cricketer once again delivered an all-round performance to inspire his side to a 50-run win against England in the third and final ODI at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram on Monday.

After top scoring for the side with a 75-run knock that helped Bangladesh post a competitive 246, Shakib returned match-winning figures of 4-35 to bundle out England for 196. The 35-year-old also went on to become the first Bangladesh player to take 300 ODI wickets in their consolation victory.

"Shakib was phenomenal with the way he batted, especially in the latter stage of the innings with the tailenders. Those 20-25 runs were very crucial in the context of the game. There was not much spin [left in the surface] in the next half but the way he bowled was exceptional. That also helped Taijul Islam to gain some confidence. Any side would be blessed to have a player like Shakib," said Tamim during the post-match press conference. 

According to Tamim, it's the strong mentality of Shakib that helps him to overcome and perform in pressure situations.

"I think he is mentally very strong and most of the time you will see when he is under pressure, he will come out with similar performances which he has done in the past as well. He has a very good set of skills to back it and not many people are as blessed as him. He bowls ten overs and then to bat the way he bats....I think he utilised [his potential] very well," Tamim added.

Shakib batted at number five against England in the ODI series, but there were talks whether he should return to number three position where he played brilliantly in the 2019 ICC World Cup. Tamim, however, informed that the left hander will continue to bat at number five in the coming days, indicating that things may remain the same in the upcoming 50-over World Cup in India later this year.

The home series against England was dominated by news regarding the confirmation of a rumoured 'rift' between Tamim and Shakib, with the former relaying that whatever the issue is between the duo, it won't be reflected on the field. And with how things went in the three-match series, Tamim's claims seem to be holding true.