Shakib, Riyad bring up Cardiff memories with ‘right approach’

Shakib and Mahmudullah star in another record fifth-wicket partnership for Bangladesh.

Bangladesh stars Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah Riyad starred in a 91-run stand – the highest fifth-wicket stand for Bangladesh in T20s --which allowed Bangladesh to post a big total against the Windies today. The partnership brought back memories of that wonderful partnership the duo starred in against New Zealand at Cardiff, a partnership which snatched a memorable win for Bangladesh during the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy.

Riyad had hit three boundaries off Windies quick Sheldon Cottrell in the 14th over of the Bangladesh innings to get going today. Riyad finished on a 21-ball 42 at the end and Shakib had some advice for his senior partner at the post-match press conference.

"Riyad Bhai does well when he is in a positive frame of mind. There are times when it's only my personal observation, it might be right or wrong. He looks to build his innings and I think maybe it's the wrong way. I think this way [how he started with boundaries] is more suitable, especially in T20s," Shakib said.

There was a mirroring but on a smaller scale with the difference being that of a ODI and a T20 encounter between the two partnership stands. Shakib too found a similarity in how Riyad played at Cardiff during Bangladesh's miracle run chase and also how he started today.

"If you look at the Cardiff innings, I took my time in the crease but Riyad bhai did not. He attacked from the beginning. I think this approach of his is very good for the shorter version," Shakib opined.

In general, Riyad is a shaky starter but his positive mindset can tilt things in his favour. While Bangladesh were not in as much trouble today as they were in Cardiff, but the loss of quick wickets saw Windies back into the match. Riyad put the pressure back on Windies with some solid shots.

Shakib has no doubt about which is the right approach for Riyad.

"Even in Test matches, if he can hit a few boundaries early what happens is his feet starts moving and I have seen that he can play a long innings in those times. So I think this is the right approach," he concluded.