Sakib Al Hasan, the Bangladesh all-rounder, is disappointed with his batting form so far in the inaugural Caribbean Premier League but is glad to have contributed with the ball. Sakib’s franchise Barbados Tridents will take on Jamaica Tallawahs in the second semi-final in Port-of-Spain today.
‘I am a bit down about that (batting) but my team-mates support me because they always tell me these Caribbean pitches are not the easiest to adapt to,’ Sakib said. ‘I really want to come good with some runs though.’
Sakib has averaged 3.66 with the bat in six innings but has taken 11 wickets at an economy-rate of 5.58, including figures of 6 for 6 against Trinidad & Tobago Red Steel in Bridgetown, which was the second-best bowling performance in Twenty20s. He said the Caribbean pitches had kept him on his toes and his team’s at-times unconventional and cavalier approach had also suited his attacking style of bowling.
Despite Barbados losing their last three matches, Sakib felt they were ready to try and recover the form
achieved at the start of the CPL, when they won their first four games. ‘It’s a new game. Whatever happened in the first round, is over and gone. It’s all coming down to these semis so we’re all back to square one. I know we have the talent and we’re confident enough to win the trophy. I want it. That’s my purpose here. Jamaica is the first hurdle but we’re ready.’
Sakib said he and Bangladesh team-mate Tamim Iqbal, who played for St Lucia Zouks, had enjoyed themselves in the CPL. ‘I am getting immense practice ahead of us (Bangladesh) hosting New Zealand (in October). I was able to share my past experience as a captain with the Caribbean guys and I think this is a great move for other players from my country to potentially join. I learnt a lot playing with the likes of (Kieron) Pollard and Shoaib (Malik) and everyone else in our camp.
Bangladesh cricket was progressing in the right manner, according to Sakib. ‘We are coming up in the world and I think once we invest and have more academies, infrastructure and more international experience under our belt, we are on the path to success. I want to take Bangladesh higher on the world scale. I have the motivation, wherever I am.’
-With New Age input
