Shakib Al-Hasan's debut in International Cricket

Shakib Al-Hasan

Here, we will take a look at Shakib Al-Hasan's debut in international cricket. The wily Bangladeshi international has been amazing in any format of the game for his team. He is one of the prime reasons behind Bangladesh's improvement in the past few years on the pitch. An influential figure for the national side, Shakib is an useful all-rounder who has mesmerized many with his pinch-hitting in the slog overs and with his economical bowling in uncanny conditions. Self-belief never deserts him as he's ready to give his best even against the big stalwarts, not giving way to any intimidation during the big occassions.

Born in Jessore, Shakib took his first wicket with his first delivery off a proper cricket ball in Islampur, as he was normally subjected to playing with a taped tennis ball. After spending six months training at Bangladesh Krira Shiksha Pratisthan, a government-run sports institute, he made his u-19 debut in a tri-nation series involving Pakistan and England, Shakib scored a century off 86 balls and also scalped three wickets to bring victory to his team.

Due to his impressive performances in the tournament, he was selected for Bangladesh's senior squad to tour Zimbabwe in 2006, where he got to make his debut in international cricket in the fifth ODI of the series. Shakib performed impressively here as he held on to score a useful 30 in the middle order and also taking his maiden wicket of Elton Chigambura, finishing off with impressive figures of 10-0-39-1.

Hence, Shakib carried his ascent to new levels in the sport, claiming the coveted award of The Wisden Cricketer's "Test Player of the Year" in November 2009. He continues to be an enigmatic figure in the field and has shown no signs of pulling the stops anytime in the future.