Shakib Al Hasan announces retirement in phases from international cricket: A look at his career

Shakib Al Hasan announces retirement from across formats in phases. Let’s have a deeper look at his career and best performances across formats.

Bangladesh’s all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan recently announced his retirement from international cricket in phases. He stated that he has retired from T20Is with immediate effect and that his last appearance in this format was the 2024 World T20. He said he wants to retire from Tests after the Dhaka Test against South Africa next month. However, the series is subject to security clearance from South Africa. If not, Shakib said the Kanpur Test against India will be his last Test appearance. However, the Bangladesh all-rounder said he will continue to feature in ODIs.

Shakib’s performance across formats:

*Stats – As of 25 September 2024

Despite all the off-the-field controversies surrounding Shakib, the all-rounder is a legend for Bangladesh cricket, inspiring generations with his exploits on the field. Here’s a look at Shakib’s career across formats.

Shakib has scored close to 15,000 international runs and over 700 wickets across formats, walking easily as one of the best all-rounders the cricket world has seen. Shakib boasts of numerous records to his credit, most notably being ranked the No. 1 all-rounder in all the formats at the same time by the ICC in January 2015—a feat that no other all-rounder has achieved. 

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Here is a look at some of the top performances of Shakib across formats

Shakib’s 217 vs New Zealand, Wellington, 2017

Although this knock came in a losing cause, Shakib, the batter, was in his element. He scored 217 off 276 balls with 31 fours against the New Zealand bowling line-up, comprising Trent Boult, Tim Southee, and Neil Wagner, on a pitch helpful for pace bowling. Shakib helped Bangladesh post 595/8 (declared). However, a collective failure from Bangladesh batters in the second innings (folding for 160) gave the Kiwis a chaseable target of 217. However, Shakib’s double ton left a mark in the Test as it came in tough overseas conditions.

Shakib’s 84 and 10-wicket haul vs Australia, Mirpur, 2017

Shakib showed his all-round prowess to combat the Aussies. This remains Bangladesh’s only Test win against Australia. Shakib first scored a vital 84 at No. 5 to rescue Bangladesh from 3/10 to 260. He then took 5/68 to help Bangladesh bowl out Australia for 217. Then, defending a target of 265, Shakib broke the threatening second-wicket stand of 130 between David Warner and Steve Smith to open the floodgates. Shakib dismissed Warner for 112 and Smith for 37 in the space of 4 overs to instill self-belief within the team. Eventually, Shakib took 5 for 85 to take Bangladesh home by 20 runs.

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Shakib’s 114 vs New Zealand, Champions Trophy 2017

Bangladesh were reduced to 33/4, chasing 266 for a win. Shakib and Mahmudullah were the last recognised batting pair for Bangladesh. The two unleashed a counter-attacking century each to spoil New Zealand’s party. Shakib was the enforcer, cracking 114 off 115 balls with 11 fours and a six. Shakib and his partner played a strong Kiwi attack comprising Tim Southee, Trent Boult, and Adam Milne to put up a match-winning stand of 224 runs for the fifth wicket. 

Shakib’s 5/36 vs India, Mirpur, 2022

India were looking to score 250+ when they were 152/4 in the 32nd over. However, Shakib destroyed India’s middle-lower order to bowl the opposition out for 186. Shakib took three wickets off the last six wickets to fall to cap with the scalps of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Thanks to Shakib’s 5/36, India were bowled out for 186, losing the last 6 wickets for 34 runs. Shakib also made a cameo of 29 as Bangladesh eked out a 1-wicket win in the ODI.

Shakib’s 42* and 5/10 vs West Indies, Dhaka, 2018

Shakib first made a stroke-filled 42* off 26 balls with 5 fours and a six to help Bangladesh post 211/4. West Indies were cruising to the target, reaching 98/3 in 10 overs before Shakib unleashed his magic, taking four wickets of the next seven deliveries to bowl out West Indies for 175. Shakib took 5/20 to guide Bangladesh to a memorable win.

Shakib Al Hasan’s legacy as an all-rounder will be tough to emulate, as he has inspired a generation of players in Bangladesh to take up cricket professionally. Although controversies have followed him, with the player himself being temperamental, it cannot be denied that Shakib is a once-in-a-generation player for Bangladesh and has served the nation with distinction.

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