That over from Mustafizur changed the game: Shakib

Bangladesh T20I and Test skipper Shakib Al Hasan admitted that one particular over from Mustafizur Rahman 'changed the game completely' as he talked following the Tigers' 16-run victory in the third T20I against England at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur today. 

Bangladesh, who had already sealed the three-match series with wins in the first two games, completed a series sweep of reigning world champions England with another well-deserved victory on Tuesday. 

However, a whitewash seemed off the cards for the Tigers at one point of the game with England 100 for the loss of just a solitary wicket after 13 overs and cruising towards the 159-run target. 

With the game tilted heavily towards the visitors, Shakib introduced Mustafizur in the 14th over and the left-arm pacer, who has recently received sticks for losing his charm, did the trick for the Tigers immediately by dismissing a set Dawid Malan for 53. A short delivery from Mustafizur got extra bounce and a slight outswing off the pitch to see Malan's attempted pull only get an edge back to the wicketkeeper Liton Das, who took a sharp catch behind the stumps. 

Just a ball later, Mehedi Hasan Miraz sparked life back into the game with a scintillating piece of fielding -- hitting the bullseye with a bullet throw from the point with only one stump to aim at to remove England skipper Jos Buttler on 40. 

"Yes, that over two set batsmen got out in two balls. It changed the game completely," Shakib admitted how that over turned the game around in the Tigers' favour.  

"From there on, we had the momentum and we kept on pressuring them. I think Mustafizur was fantastic today. He went for 14 in four overs. He has done an unbelievable job for this team," Shakib added.  

Mustafizur, who returned economical figures of one for 14 in his four overs, also reached a milestone of his own with that wicket of Malan. The 27-year-old became the fastest Bangladeshi to scalp 100 wickets in T20Is, reaching the feat in his 81st game. Mustafizur is also the third pacer and sixth bowler overall to have reached the 100-wicket club in the shortest format of the game. 

The other Bangladeshi, who has over 100 wickets in the shortest format is skipper Shakib, who has 131 wickets in 112 T20Is. Shakib had reached the 100-wicket mark in his 84th T20I.

The skipper also lauded the way everyone committed themselves to the field throughout the series. 

"We were really good in this T20 series. I think we fielded exceptionally throughout the three matches which was a major change. All the bowlers bowled well, they have been very good. All the batters contributed, so all in all it was a very good start considering the T20 World Cup which is next year, and we can build on it from here," he said.