Current crop best so far: Shakib Al Hasan

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan rated the current cricketing side as the best of all time, but the just-appointed T20 International skipper added that they need to improve on their performances in the shortest format of the game going forward, reports The Free Press Journal.

“We have a few good batsmen, good pacers, and good spinners too. I feel this team of ours is the best so far,” Shakib, who is playing for Kolkata Knight Riders in the ongoing Indian Premier League, told reporters on the sidelines of a promotional programme on Tuesday.

“I don’t have any complaints. Our cricket is on the right track. Our performance in the last two years is a testimony to that fact,” the southpaw, who took over the reins as T20 captain from fast bowler Mashrafe Mortaza on April 22, added.

Bangladesh, who have long come out of the shadow as minnows, became the fourth team to win on their 100th Test match, away to Sri Lanka earlier this year.

“It depends how you take it. Yes, we are doing well of late but we don’t have a good T20 record. We need to improve on that aspect. When I was ODI or Test skipper, our situation was like that. We just couldn’t win. Then we started winning slowly and now we are winning matches regularly. So, in T20 our target is to reach that level.”

Shakib added that Bangladesh’s group in the Champions Trophy is the toughest and Australia and England are pre-tournament favourites. Bangladesh have Australia, New Zealand and England in Group A.

“I feel our group is more tough. All teams are good but Australia, England are tough opponents. South Africa always do well. We are confident of doing well in a world event so that people remember our show.”