Goal is to win the series from here: Shamim

Sports Desk:

Shamim Hossain Patwari feels that his match-winning innings in the first T20 against West Indies was “much-needed” not only for himself but for the team as well.

After being away from the national team for a year, Shamim’s impressive performance helped Bangladesh secure a narrow 7-run victory in St Vincent.

With the series now on the line, Shamim is determined to build on this success.

“I came back after a year, and this innings was something I really needed. It feels great. The team needed it as well. I was confident that I could contribute positively,” Shamim said.

Shamim played a quickfire knock of 27 runs off just 13 balls when Bangladesh was under pressure. He came to bat in the 15th over with Bangladesh struggling at 96 for 5 and the run rate just above six. The 24-year-old’s aggressive batting helped turn the game around.

His innings, which included one boundary and three sixes, shifted the momentum in Bangladesh’s favor. Along with Sheikh Mahedi Hasan, Shamim added a crucial 49 runs off just 29 balls, lifting the team to a total of 147.

Talking about his approach, Shamim said he knew he needed to score quickly to help the team.

“With the kind of wicket it was and the situation when I came to bat, I knew I had to score runs. I felt that if I could score quickly, it would put the team in a good position,” he explained.

His contribution was vital as Bangladesh successfully defended the total and won the match by 7 runs. The performance showcased Shamim’s ability to make an impact in the lower-middle order, a role that has been difficult for the team to fill consistently.

For Shamim, the journey back to the national team has not been easy. He last played for Bangladesh during the New Zealand tour in December 2023, where he scored just 9 runs off 14 balls.

Before that, Shamim showed glimpses of his potential with innings like 33 off 25 balls and an unbeaten 7 against Afghanistan in July 2023, followed by a steady 51 off 42 against Ireland earlier that year. However, his inconsistency and inability to make the most of his chances led to his exclusion from the team.

This return to the squad, therefore, carried extra pressure. Shamim admitted that the innings was very important for him. “This innings was very important for me,” he said, acknowledging the challenge of coming back after a long absence.

Now, with Bangladesh leading 1-0 in the three-match series, Shamim is focused on helping the team win the series in the second game, which will also take place at the Arnos Vale Stadium.

“Since we’ve won one match already, we are slightly ahead. The goal is, of course, to win the series. You know how strong West Indies are in T20 cricket, but I’m hopeful we can win the next match and take the series,” he concluded.