Published on 07:04 PM, March 12, 2023

It was a good team effort: Shakib

Shakib Al Hasan. Photo: Firoz Ahmed

Skipper Shakib Al Hasan lauded the team's effort after Bangladesh registered a historic maiden T20I series win over the world champions England by beating the visitors by four wickets in the second of the three-match series at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur on Sunday. 

Mehedi Hasan Miraz picked up four wickets to help restrict England to 117 while Najmul Hossain Shanto scored an unbeaten 46 in reply as Bangladesh chased down the target with seven balls to spare. 

"I thought we bowled really well as they had a very good start given the condition, but we kept our nerves. Overall it was a good team effort. In a tricky game like this, it was important to keep our nerves. I think Shanto batted really well along with Miraz, who returned to the T20 side and scored crucial 15-20 runs. He bowled really well too and all the bowlers did well," said Shakib during the post-match presentation ceremony. 

Miraz made a comeback to the T20 side after last playing against South Africa in the group stage during the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia. The all-rounder made a stunning return to the side as he registered his career-best T20I bowling figures of four for 12. He scalped the big wicket of Moeen Ali before dismantling the England side's lower middle order by picking three more. 

The 25-year-old was also involved in a crucial 44-run fourth wicket stand with Shanto to help the Tigers recover from the early damage. He was dismissed after a 16-ball 20. 

"I am really happy. After a long time, I am playing T20 cricket and I was confused with my role, but my captain and team management backed me. I was just trying to bowl in the right areas. I tried to rotate the strike and if there is a bad ball then put it away," said Miraz.