After Netherlands stunned South Africa in the first game of the triple-header on Sunday, Bangladesh and Pakistan clashed for a spot in the semis. Shakib's team, however, could only post 127/8 after electing to bat, with Pakistan chasing it down in the 19th over to become the second team after India to book a spot from Group 2 in the final four.
But Pakistan's five-wicket win did not come without controversy as Shakib's leg-before dismissal appeared contentious. Bangladesh were looking good to post a competitive total, having reached 73/1 at one stage before losing Soumya Sarkar and Shakib in successive deliveries as legspinner Shadab Khan brought Pakistan back into the game.
Shakib was adjudged lbw and there was uncertainty if the ball had made contact with the bat, as the bat hitting the ground happened at the same time as the supposed edge. The third umpire decided that the spike was that of the bat hitting the ground, ruling in favour of the bowler which left Shakib immensely disappointed and he was seen in a conversation with the onfield umpires before leaving the field.
"I don't think so," replied Najmul when asked if Shakib's dismissal affected the team. "But it was confusion for everyone. We don't think that (type of dismissal) happens normally but we were not focusing on that wicket. But we could have played some good cricket later on. I don't think it disturbed our concentration but what I felt as I was there with him as well as the whole team, it looked like it was not out and I was pretty sure that it wasn't out.
"But the decision lies with the umpires and we cannot say much about it. I don't think the concentration was broken but we didn't play well in middle overs at the end of the day," said Najmul, who top-scored for Bangladesh with 48-ball 54.
"Shakib bhai is naturally a big cricketer and all the time plays impactful innings and it helps our team, but batters who followed him were also capable and have done well in the past" he added.
Earlier in this World Cup, umpires had failed to notice a fake throw attempt by Virat Kohli in Bangladesh's game against India. A five-run penalty could have made a lot of difference to the outcome of the game as Bangladesh ended up losing that game by five runs. Najmul, however, did not prefer to dwell on decisions that went against Bangladesh.
"I don't think there is any point discussing these things (umpiring calls going against the team) as we don't have it in our control. Everything depends on the match referee and the umpires and so no matter how much we discuss it, there is no point in it."
Meanwhile, Najmul expressed his disappointment over not being able to bat for a longer period. "I think the wicket was 140-150 runs wicket and I think I should have stayed till the end but unfortunately I could not do it and that is the reason I am a bit disappointed. If the lower order batsman could have done well, we could have got a competitive match."
