T20 World Cup 2021 | The pressure is gone, says Shakib Al Hasan as Bangladesh qualify for Super 12

Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bat first in a must-win game, but they lost the wicket of Mohammad Naim in the first over of the innings. Shakib Al Hasan who walked out to bat after the dismissal of Naim partnered for a 50 runs with Liton Das (29) before the latter departed in the eighth over. Mushfiqur Rahim could manage only five runs off eight balls, and he fell to Simon Atai in the 11th over. Shakib (46) stood solid at one end striking three sixes, but fell four runs short of his 10th T20I fifty. 

Shakib, who was adjudged Man of the Match for his stellar performance with the bat and ball, stated that the pressure is off now, and the team is looking forward to playing quality cricket in the Super 12 round. 

Reflecting on his team's performance and qualification to the Super 12, Mahmudullah stated that it was a much-needed win for his side. The Bangladesh captain further lauded his batsmen for their swashbuckling performance against Papua New Guinea.

"I think it was much needed. The way that we wanted to play, the intent was there from the batters. Having said that I think the wicket was better in comparison, so the batters did well to get 180. I think the two things we've been concerned about are the first six overs with bat and ball. If we get a good start, we can capitalise, so I think we need to improve on that. I've said it before - we're much more skilled hitters than big hitters. So we need to find the bowlers we can take on on that particular day and we need to figure that out and communicate with the others as experienced batters, said Mahmudullah after the match.