In the County Championship Division One clash between table-toppers Surrey and Somerset, the latter won the toss and chose to bat first. However, Somerset’s innings got off to a rocky start as they quickly lost Lewis Goldsworthy, who was clean bowled by Kemar Roach for a duck. Although a brief 33-run partnership for the second wicket hinted at a recovery, Somerset’s middle order faltered under mounting pressure. Surrey’s bowling kept the batting side on the back foot, preventing any significant momentum.

Shakib Al Hasan’s masterclass: A game-changing dismissal of Tom Abell

The turning point came when Shakib Al Hasan was introduced into the attack in the 54th over. The experienced all-rounder made an immediate impact, with his spin troubling the Somerset batters. His first significant breakthrough came with the dismissal of Tom Abell. Shakib bowled a well-flighted, good-length delivery that skidded off the surface, surprising Abell, who attempted to cut the ball. The ball zipped past the bat, shattering the stumps.

But the drama didn’t end there. Abell, losing his balance while attempting the shot, tumbled to the ground, a rare and almost cinematic moment. As Abell lay on the pitch, Shakib, who was looking to appeal, quickly turned into delight, realizing that the stumps had been shattered. This wicket exemplified Shakib’s guile and precision as a spinner, bringing Somerset’s innings to a standstill and shifting the momentum in Surrey’s favour.

Here’s the video:

A brilliant first wicket in Surrey colours for Shakib Al Hasan!! 🎬

🤎 | #SurreyCricket https://t.co/9QMVZ41q2Y pic.twitter.com/pBtgoVCrpp

— Surrey Cricket (@surreycricket) September 9, 2024

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Shakib dominates the tail as Surrey restricts Somerset

Shakib’s exceptional spell of bowling didn’t stop with Abell’s dismissal. He continued to dismantle Somerset’s lower order with clinical precision. Kasey Aldridge was bowled by another fine delivery from Shakib, while Craig Overton was expertly stumped. Brett Randell fell next, trapped in front of the stumps by Shakib’s clever variations. Despite a resilient 132-run knock by Tom Banton, Somerset’s innings was curtailed at 317, with Shakib ending with impressive figures of 33.5 overs, seven maidens, 97 runs, and four crucial wickets. His efforts were instrumental in Surrey’s successful restriction of Somerset’s total.

Shakib’s upcoming Test challenge in India

Shakib’s spectacular performance in the County Championship came on the heels of Bangladesh’s historic 2-0 Test series win against Pakistan. His next assignment awaits in India, where he will rejoin the Bangladesh national team for a crucial Test series against India starting on September 19 at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Despite their strong recent form, Bangladesh have yet to register a Test win against India, with a record of nine losses and two draws from 13 matches. Shakib will once again be expected to play a pivotal role as Bangladesh seek their first-ever Test victory against India.

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