With just 16 days left until the commencement of the ninth edition of the T20 World Cup, the Bangladesh team is still undecided on their batting order. The team management is contemplating a change in the top order, considering the experienced all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan for the number three spot.
The former captain of the Tigers has recently been batting at positions five or six in international T20 matches. However, his past performances in the top order have been relatively better.
Statistics reveal that when batting at number three, the top-ranked T20 all-rounder has scored 1,085 runs at an average of 29.32 and a strike rate of 123.15. Although his average and runs are lower at number four, his strike rate is higher, with 880 runs at an average of 22.56 and a strike rate of 127.16. Shakib’s performance drops significantly when batting at number five, with only 309 runs at an average of 16.26 and a strike rate of 110.75. He has not batted much at number six but has scored over 91 runs with an average of 30.33 and a strike rate of 130.
The 37-year-old Shakib has scored 12 half-centuries for the national team, seven of which came when batting at number three. He last played in this position against India in the World Cup on Australian soil.
Captain Nazmul Hossain Shanto has been batting at number three for Bangladesh over the past 12 months, although the 25-year-old left-handed batsman played as an opener in the last World Cup.
Coach Chandika Hathurusingha has indicated that no player’s batting position is fixed for the World Cup. He emphasized that all players must be prepared to bat at any position based on the match situation and pitch conditions.
“In T20 cricket, the batting order can change. That’s just normal cricket. What matters is where you bat and how well you perform,” Hathurusingha said.
Captain Shanto confirmed that the option to promote Shakib to number three is being seriously considered. He stated, “Whether Shakib bats at three depends on the conditions and the strength of the opposition. It’s a possibility.”
