Best All-Rounder: Bangladesh, since its inception as a Test-playing nation in 2000, has produced several cricketers who have not only excelled in one discipline but have made their mark as all-rounders in international cricket. An all-rounder is a player who is proficient with both the bat and the ball, and in Bangladesh’s cricketing history, a select few players have truly embodied this role. Among these, one name stands out as arguably the best all-rounder in the country’s history: Shakib Al Hasan.
Best All-Rounder: However, the question of who is the “best” all-rounder involves a closer examination of the performances and contributions of other notable all-rounders as well, including players like Mahmudullah Riyad, Mosharraf Hossain, and Sabbir Rahman. In this article, we’ll break down the impact, statistics, and significance of these players to answer the question: Who is the best all-rounder in Bangladesh cricket?
The All-Rounder Concept In Cricket
Best All-Rounder: Before we delve into the career specifics, it is essential to understand what makes an all-rounder in cricket. An all-rounder is a player who contributes significantly in both the batting and bowling departments. For a cricketer to be considered a true all-rounder, their performances in both disciplines should be of high quality. In the context of Bangladesh, these all-rounders have played pivotal roles in their team’s successes, often turning the tide in favor of their side with crucial contributions in both batting and bowling.
The Best All-Rounder In Bangladesh: Shakib Al Hasan
Best All-Rounder: Undoubtedly, Shakib Al Hasan is regarded as the best all-rounder Bangladesh has ever produced. Not only is he the most successful all-rounder in Bangladesh’s history, but he is also recognized as one of the greatest all-rounders in the history of world cricket. His consistency, longevity, and impact in both batting and bowling have made him a true match-winner for Bangladesh in all formats of the game.
Shakib Al Hasan’s Career Overview
| Format | Matches Played | Runs Scored | Wickets Taken | Batting Average | Bowling Average | Hundreds | Five-Wicket Hauls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 63 | 4,135 | 213 | 39.43 | 32.44 | 6 | 2 |
| ODIs | 208 | 7,465 | 295 | 36.24 | 29.85 | 9 | 3 |
| T20Is | 90 | 1,477 | 92 | 26.90 | 22.05 | 0 | 0 |
Best All-Rounder: Shakib’s statistics are nothing short of outstanding. Across all three formats, he has consistently contributed with both bat and ball. As of 2025, Shakib has accumulated more than 7,400 runs in ODIs, over 4,000 runs in Tests, and 1,400 runs in T20Is. Alongside his batting feats, he has also taken over 500 wickets in international cricket across formats, showcasing his ability to contribute as a bowler. Shakib has had multiple match-winning performances with both bat and ball, making him the best all-rounder Bangladesh has produced.
Why Shakib Al Hasan Is The Best All-Rounder
Longevity and Consistency: Shakib’s remarkable ability to maintain his form over more than a decade has earned him widespread recognition as one of the finest all-rounders in the modern era. He has consistently performed at a high level in all formats, particularly in ODIs, where his role as a key batsman and bowler has been crucial for Bangladesh.
Impact in All Formats: Whether it is with the bat, where he anchors the innings and scores crucial runs, or with the ball, where he can break partnerships and provide control, Shakib has been a true match-winner. His ability to adapt to the demands of different formats is a testament to his versatility and cricketing acumen.
Statistical Achievements: With 9 centuries in ODIs and a highly impressive bowling record in all formats, Shakib’s dual-threat abilities as a bowler and batsman make him an invaluable asset for Bangladesh. His contributions in key moments have earned him the title of one of the most successful all-rounders in cricket history.
Other Notable All-Rounders In Bangladesh Cricket
Best All-Rounder: While Shakib Al Hasan stands out as the premier all-rounder for Bangladesh, there are several other cricketers who have made significant contributions with both bat and ball.
Mahmudullah Riyad
Best All-Rounder: Mahmudullah is another seasoned all-rounder for Bangladesh who has been a vital contributor to the team’s success. Known for his calm demeanor and finishing abilities, Mahmudullah has played several match-winning knocks and has been a reliable bowler in the middle overs.
| Format | Matches Played | Runs Scored | Wickets Taken | Batting Average | Bowling Average | Hundreds | Five-Wicket Hauls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODIs | 204 | 4,596 | 43 | 33.87 | 51.51 | 3 | 0 |
| T20Is | 58 | 1,193 | 14 | 30.32 | 38.42 | 0 | 0 |
Mahmudullah has contributed more than 4,500 runs in ODIs and has taken 43 wickets. He has been known for his calm finishing skills, and his ability to rescue Bangladesh from difficult situations with both bat and ball makes him a valuable all-rounder.
Mosharraf Hossain
Though not as prominent as Shakib or Mahmudullah, Mosharraf Hossain has made significant contributions as an all-rounder, particularly in the domestic circuit and on the international stage when given the opportunity.
| Format | Matches Played | Runs Scored | Wickets Taken | Batting Average | Bowling Average | Hundreds | Five-Wicket Hauls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODIs | 16 | 163 | 15 | 32.60 | 43.33 | 0 | 0 |
Though his ODI career was relatively short, Mosharraf contributed with both bat and ball, serving as a handy all-rounder in the middle overs for Bangladesh. His ability to break partnerships and hold up an end with the bat has made him a valuable asset when called upon.
Sabbir Rahman
Sabbir Rahman, though primarily known for his batting, has occasionally proven his worth as an all-rounder, offering useful overs and contributing in both departments.
| Format | Matches Played | Runs Scored | Wickets Taken | Batting Average | Bowling Average | Hundreds | Five-Wicket Hauls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODIs | 57 | 1,258 | 10 | 26.92 | 42.60 | 1 | 0 |
Sabbir’s occasional bowling spells, combined with his occasional match-winning knocks, position him as a useful all-rounder for Bangladesh. However, his role has been more prominent in the batting department.
Conclusion: Shakib Al Hasan – The Undisputed Best All-Rounder In Bangladesh
After evaluating the contributions of various all-rounders, it is clear that Shakib Al Hasan is the best all-rounder to have ever played for Bangladesh. His sustained success over more than a decade, his performances across all formats, and his unmatched contributions with both bat and ball make him the undisputed leader in this category.
Shakib’s ability to adapt his game to the demands of different formats and situations has made him a linchpin for Bangladesh, and he continues to lead the team as one of the most impactful all-rounders in world cricket. His statistical achievements, such as his over 7,400 runs in ODIs and his 295 wickets in the same format, speak volumes about his dual capabilities. His reputation as a consistent performer in both batting and bowling makes him not only the best all-rounder in Bangladesh’s history but also one of the best in international cricket.