BSS
  06 Jun 2024, 10:25

Shakib boosts Bangladesh ahead of T20 World Cup

DALLAS, June 6, 2024 (BSS)-Bangladesh got a boost ahead of their T20 World
Cup campaign as their ace player Shakib Al Hasan reclaimed the top spot of
the ICC allrounder rankings.

Shakib leapfrogged Sri Lanka's Wanindu Hasaranga who had a disappointing
outing against South Africa on Monday.

Hasanrang took two wickets in the match but scored a duck as Sri Lanka lost
the game by six wickets after being skittled out for only 77.

Shakib had held the top sport for quite a few years before losing the throne
to Hasaranga last week.

Bangladesh will open their T20 World Cup by taking on Sri Lanka on June 8
(Bangladesh time). Shakib will be key in shaping the team which has been in
torrid period following a disappointing performance in three-match series
against low ranked USA and practice matches.

Shakib's own performance was also not frustrating in those matches but it is
believed his ranking boost could have inspired him more to contribute for a
match winning performance.

Meanwhile, South Africa fast bowler Anrich Nortje blasted up the men's T20i
bowling rankings after his stunning display against Sri Lanka.

Nortje returned remarkable figures of 4-7 from his four overs, setting a new
record for the best figures by a Proteas bowler in the Men's T20 World Cups.
The previous record was also with Nortje, he picked 4-10 against Bangladesh
in 2022 in Sydney.

The 30-year-old's superb performance has seen him leap up nine places in the
Men's T20I Bowling Rankings, bursting into the top 10 and up to eighth.

Nortje is now the second-highest pace bowler in the rankings, behind
Australia's Josh Hazlewood (in fifth). England's Adil Rashid remains in top
spot, with Hasaranga and Axar Patel rounding off the top three.