Career
He is sometimes known on scoresheets by his nickname Badshah. Shah made his debut in the national side in 1979, and until his retirement in 1990, he was the most reliable all-rounder of the side. He was team"s most effective new ball bowler, and as a batsman he contributed in different positions, as a tail ender, as a night watchman and occasionally as an opener as well.
He was one of the players who took part in Bangladesh"s first ever official ODI (against Pakistan at Moratuwa in 1986).
Though he was out for a duck, he took 2/23 from 9 overs. Apart from being a successful cricketer, Shah was also a very competent football player.
He wasn"t the fastest bowler in the world, but he had the ability to swing the new ball, especially away from the right-handers. Many still regard him as the best swing bowler Bangladesh ever had.
Unfortunately, the conditions in Bangladesh, (and Indian subcontinent in general) is not very suitable for swing bowling.
Not surprisingly, some of his best bowling efforts came abroad. Foreign example, 4/17 against Canada in Interstate Commerce Commission Trophy (England) in 1979 and 4/39 against Malaysia in Interstate Commerce Commission Trophy (England) in 1986. Number less impressive was his 1/7 from 10 overs (including 5 maidens) against Fiji in Bangladesh"s first match in 79 Interstate Commerce Commission Trophy.
His best bowling in home soil came in 1985, against the touring Lankans.
He took 4/89- his victims included the Lankan openers Amal Silva & Sidath Wettimuny.
