Shakib not satisfied with batting despite return to winning ways

Despite being able to successfully defend a modest target of 142 runs against Khulna Tigers, Fortune Barishal skipper Shakib Al Hasan is still looking for improvements in the batting department for the upcoming matches of the Bangabandhu Bangladesh Premier League.

"I have mentioned the fact that we have a good bowling line up and if we can post a good total on the board, we can defend that. We were eyeing a total somewhere near 160. But even though it was a good game of cricket, we still need to improve our batting," said Shakib during the post-match presentation ceremony. 

Other than Chris Gayle's 34-ball 45 at the top, only four other batters were able to score in the double figures for Barishal today in their Bangabandhu Bangladesh Premier League encounter against Khulna. 

On a rather bleak day for the batters, Afghan spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman and left-arm seamer Mehedi Hasan Rana, both of whom were included in the Barishal playing eleven for the first time, remained instrumental for Barishal. 

Mujeeb bagged two wickets conceding just 22 runs from his four overs while the player-of-the match Mehedi bagged four wickets, three of those in the final over of the game. He removed Khulna skipper Mushfiqur Rahim to wrap up their innings and ensure victory for Barishal.

And Shakib duly credited the bowlers for the 17-run victory. 

"He [Mujeeb Ur Rahman] missed out a couple of games initially but we expect to have him for the rest of the tournament. We need to stick to the basics. Both the pacers bowled well as it was not an easy wicket for the bowlers but they executed really well," he said. 

Despite having a star-studded side, Barishal lost two of their first three games before eventually returning to winning ways again.