Shakib returns and impresses

Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan is hoisted by Kolkata Knight Riders teammate Yusuf Pathan after dismissing Pune Warriors batsman Sourav Ganguly during their IPL match at the DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai yesterday.

 

Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan showed his Indian Premier League (IPL) side Kolkata Knight Riders what they were missing in the last six matches with a bowling display replete with the guile and cunning that has made him one of the best twirlers in the international game.

Against Pune Warriors at the DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai yesterday, Shakib was a major factor in restricting the opposition to a gettable total, as he bowled four overs on the trot for figures of 2 for 16, fabulous returns for a T20 match.

Before yesterday's match, the Tigers skipper only featured in four of Kolkata's twelve matches. He missed the first two games because of the Australia-Bangladesh series in early April, and after bowling well in the four matches he played in to pick up seven wickets, the 24-year-old had to come back to Bangladesh to be with his ill mother. Upon return, he found it hard to get past the four overseas players quota, finally getting an opportunity after the out-of-form Eoin Morgan was benched.

Brought on in the seventh over, Shakib immediately announced his class as he had Sourav Ganguly on tenterhooks with his last moment changes in pace and line. When the former India skipper charged him in his first over, Shakib smartly dragged the ball down the leg side, almost dismissing Ganguly. The over yielded only three.

It was in his next over that he produced some magic that again highlighted his ability to think on his feet. Those who are familiar with his bowling will know that he is not a big turner who prefers to beat batsmen with subtle variations. However, when he saw Callum Ferguson advancing to clout him over the top, he imparted extra revolutions on the ball. The result was Ferguson beaten hook, line and sinker as the ball turned like a Shane Warne ripper for wicketkeeper Sreevats Goswami to flatten the stumps.

To put the icing on the cake, and break the back of the Pune batting, Shakib returned for his fourth over to take the wicket of Ganguly. During yesterday's battle, Shakib was always a step ahead, thwarting Ganguly whenever he looked to give the charge. The frustrated left-hander finally succumbed trying to clear short fine leg's head, only to find the outstretched palms of Yusuf Pathan.

Pune could only muster 118 for 7 in their 20 overs, and Shakib was the most economical bowler, along with fellow left-armer Iqbal Abdullah. Happily for Bangladesh's IPL fans, Eoin Morgan may have to wait a while for his return.