New Delhi: Shakib Al Hasan has become the leading wicket-taker among left-arm spinners in international cricket, going past former New Zealand international Daniel Vettori after guiding Bangladesh to their maiden Test win over Pakistan.
The 37-year-old claimed four wickets (one in the first innings and three in the second) in the first Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi as Bangaldesh win by 10 wickets.
The veteran went past Vettori in the process, claiming 707 wickets in 44 matches at an average of 3.91 across formats. The former Kiwi spinner had taken 705 wickets in 442 matches.
Shakib and Vettori are the only two left-arm spinners to have taken over 700 wickets in international cricket. The former Bangladesh skiper has featured in 68 Tests, 247 ODIs, and 129 T20Is, taking 241 wickets in the five-day format, 317 wickets in ODIs, and 149 wickets in the 20-over game.
The veteran has been under pressure before the Pakistan series as he was removed as MP after the fall od the Sheikh Hasina regime in Bangaldesh.
But he was incuded in the team and went on to play a pivotal role, sharing seven wickets with Mehidy Hasan Miraz on the final day, triggering Pakistan’s collapse as they were bowled out for only 146 runs in their second innings.
“I think Shakib and Miraz bowled very well today given the conditions and we knew that with a 90-run advantage Pakistan would be under pressure on the final day,” Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hasan Shanto after their victory.
Most wickets by left-arm spinner (across formats)
Shakib Al Hasan (BAN) – 707 wickets
Daniel Vettori (NZ) – 705 wickets
Ravindra Jadeja (IND) – 568 wickets
Rangana Herath (SL) – 525 wickets
Sanath Jayasuriya (SL) – 440 wickets
Shakib Al Hasan claimed four wickets (one in the first innings and three in the second) in the first Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi as Bangaldesh win by 10 wickets Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
