Shamim hails Litton backing ahead of NZ series decider

Bangladesh batter Shamim Hossain has thanked T20I skipper Litton Das for backing him, while also crediting the captain for fostering a strong team environment ahead of the series-deciding third T20I against New Zealand, set to be played tomorrow in Mirpur.

Speaking to the press on the eve of the final, Shamim highlighted Litton’s support as a key factor behind his recent performances.

Litton had earlier voiced his frustration during the Ireland series in November-December last year over the selectors’ decision to drop Shamim from the squad for the first two matches without informing him.

“I don't know why the selectors removed Shamim from the team without giving me any notice. I always thought that when someone handles a team, at least the captain knows which players are coming in and going out,” Litton had told reporters at the time.

That decision came after Shamim managed just two scores of one in successive matches during the preceding series against the West Indies.

However, the left-hander responded strongly. In the ongoing New Zealand series, he underlined his value with a match-winning 31 off just 13 balls. With Bangladesh leading the series 1-0 heading into the decider, Shamim was quick to acknowledge the role his captain played in his turnaround.

“I want to give a massive thanks to Litton bhai. He did exactly what a captain needed to do – he backed me. Because of that, I was able to play well. That’s a great thing. The captain is happy, and I am happy too,” Shamim said.

Litton himself has grown into his leadership role since taking over the captaincy. Among Bangladesh captains who have led in at least 20 T20Is, he currently holds the best win-loss ratio (1.23), with 16 wins to 13 defeats.

Shamim also pointed to the improving team environment under Litton’s leadership.

“We have won many of the recent T20 series, so a really good bond has formed within the team. Unfortunately, we missed out on the World Cup, and nothing can be done about that now. But we were very well prepared. Of course, captaincy definitely matters,” he added.

With momentum on their side and a settled dressing room, Bangladesh will look to seal the series when they take on New Zealand in the final T20I tomorrow.