10 Celebrated Moments in Bangladesh Cricket
Bangladesh is not considered a small team anymore in international cricket. They have displayed determination, reliability, and most importantly, achieved good outcomes in recent times.
Bangladesh has emerged as a strong contender in international cricket. Despite their relatively short cricket history, they have achieved several notable moments to be proud of. Among them, two notable achievements were whitewashing New Zealand in One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and winning a series against a weakened West Indies team on their home turf. However, there are even more remarkable moments that overshadow these victories, understandably so.
1. 1997 ICC Trophy, 1999 World Cup
In the 1980s, Bangladesh played their first international game, but it took them more than ten years to qualify for the World Cup. Finally, in 1997, they reached the final of the ICC Trophy and earned a place in the 1999 World Cup along with their rivals, Kenya.
During the tournament, Bangladesh faced many challenges, but they showed determination and courage to reach the final. Their journey to the semi-finals seemed uncertain, but Akram Khan’s exceptional performance led them to victory against the Netherlands.
Then, the dream came true. In the title match, with only 11 runs needed in the last over and two wickets remaining, the situation was intense. Khaled Mashud hit the first ball for a six. The match came down to the last ball, but the batsmen managed to score the winning run, securing the trophy. It was a thrilling and fitting end to their journey.
2. Defeating the Tiptop Pakistan in 1999 World Cup
During the 1999 World Cup, Pakistan was considered to be the team in top form, boasting a squad full of talented players who could win matches. However, one player who struggled to secure a regular spot in the Pakistan playing XI was Waqar Younis.
Despite already securing a place in the Super Sixes, Pakistan had an embarrassing setback in their final group game against Bangladesh. Bangladesh managed to score a respectable total of 223 for nine, facing a strong bowling attack from Pakistan. In response, Pakistan’s star-studded batting lineup struggled and found themselves in trouble at 42 for five. Even though the lower-order batsmen put up a fight, Pakistan ultimately lost the match by 62 runs.
One of the key contributors to Bangladesh’s victory was Khaled Mahmud, who troubled the Pakistani batsmen with his deceptive bowling, ultimately taking three wickets for 31 runs. His dibley-dolby bowling style caused problems for the opposition and played a significant role in Bangladesh’s win.
3. Test Debut in Front of the Home Crowd
The Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka had previously hosted some Test matches when it was part of East Pakistan, as well as a single Asian Test Championship game between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in 1990. Therefore, when Bangladesh achieved Test status in 2000 and held their first-ever Test match at the stadium, it was a moment of great celebration for the nation.
Although some people believed that Bangladesh was not yet ready for the high level of Test cricket, they proved themselves during the initial days of the match against India. Aminul Islam’s determined innings of 145 helped Bangladesh score 400 runs, and they had India in trouble at 190 for five. Sunil Joshi, batting at number six for India, played a crucial innings of 92, enabling them to take a narrow lead of 29 runs. Joshi also contributed with the ball, taking wickets as Bangladesh were bowled out for 91. India easily chased down the target of 63 runs to win the match.
Despite the outcome of the match, Bangladesh had every reason to celebrate their performance. They displayed commendable resilience and skill, proving that they could compete at the Test level. It was a significant milestone for Bangladesh cricket and a moment of pride for the entire nation.
4. Mohammad Ashraful as the Youngest Test Centurion
In July 2001, Hamilton Masakadza of Zimbabwe made history by becoming the youngest centurion in Test cricket debut at the age of 17 years and 352 days. However, his record did not last long. Just a few months later, in September of the same year, a young player named Ashraful from Bangladesh smashed a century against Sri Lanka in Colombo. Not only did Ashraful become the youngest player to score a Test century on debut, but he also became the youngest century-maker in Test cricket history.
During the match, Bangladesh struggled as they were bowled out for just 90 runs in their first innings. Sri Lanka then declared their innings at a massive total of 555 for five. In the second innings, Bangladesh showed great determination, thanks to the debutant Ashraful, who scored a remarkable 114 runs. His talent was evident, especially in the way he handled the experienced bowlers Muttiah Muralitharan and Chaminda Vaas.
Although Bangladesh faced a comprehensive defeat in the match, Ashraful’s performance gave them tremendous hope for the future. Despite their loss, the young man had shown great promise and potential, providing optimism for the development of Bangladesh cricket in the years to come.
5. Qualifying for the ICC World Cup 2007 Super Eights
Despite being considered as underdogs by the stronger teams, Bangladesh managed to surprise everyone with their performances in 2007. This was a significant year for them, as they emerged as giant killers on the cricket stage, particularly during the tournament held in the Caribbean.
In their opening game against India, Mashrafe Mortaza played a crucial role, supported by the talented trio of Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Shakib Al Hasan. Together, they successfully chased down a low score and secured a victory. Bangladesh’s win against Bermuda further confirmed their place in the Super Eights, as India faced difficulties against Sri Lanka.
Although the Super Eights stage presented tougher challenges for Bangladesh, they had a memorable moment against South Africa. Defeating a strong South African side led by Graeme Smith showcased their potential and abilities. This tournament served as a launchpad for Bangladesh cricket, building confidence and setting a solid foundation for their future.
Later in the year, Bangladesh achieved another milestone by qualifying for the second round of the inaugural ICC World T20. This further highlighted their progress and marked a significant achievement for the team.
6. Banglawash of New Zealand
The series between Bangladesh and New Zealand became famous in the Bangladesh cricket community as the “Banglawash.” This name was given because Bangladesh won all the matches, sweeping the opponent. The term was first used by television commentators, and it quickly spread to the media and fans.
It remains one of Bangladesh’s greatest achievements in cricket, especially in 2010. What made the victory even more special was that Shakib Al Hasan, a key player, was not part of the team when they defeated New Zealand on home ground. The win was a result of a collective team effort. Additionally, fast bowler Rubel Hossain gained recognition during this series for his speed and ability to take wickets, making a strong impression on the international stage.
7. 2012 Asia Cup Heroics
Bangladesh cricket had a tough time in the 2011 World Cup, but things started looking up in the Asia Cup of 2012. The team played well together and became strong in One Day Internationals (ODIs). They beat teams like India and Sri Lanka to reach the final against Pakistan in Mirpur. It seemed like they were going to win the trophy.
However, fate had other plans. In the last over bowled by Aizaz Cheema, Bangladesh needed nine runs to win, but they couldn’t score them. It was a heartbreaking loss for the team and the country. Especially because Mahmudullah, a skilled batsman, was at the crease during the final over. Many had hoped he would score the runs and bring Bangladesh its greatest cricketing achievement.
8. 2015: The Year of the Tigers
This was the year when the Tigers truly made their mark. It all began with an impressive performance in the World Cup, where Bangladesh eliminated England and reached the quarter-finals for the first time in their history. Building on that success, they went on to win ODI series against India, Pakistan, and even South Africa at home, establishing themselves as a dominant force on their own turf.
Led by Mashrafe Bin Mortaza and supported by talented players like Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Mahmudullah, the team was ready to take on any opponent and emerge victorious at home. Additionally, the rise of fast bowlers Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed, along with the explosive batting of Soumya Sarkar, added to the team’s strength. Bangladesh had managed to create a winning combination, blending youthful energy with experienced players.
This was the year when the cricketing world stopped underestimating Bangladesh as minnows or underdogs. They were recognized as an elite ODI team, capable of defeating any opponent on their home ground.
9. Banglawash of Pakistan
While Bangladesh has achieved notable whitewashes against New Zealand in one-day series at home, their victory over Pakistan in 2015 held a special significance. Part of it was due to the historical context, as Bangladesh was once a part of Pakistan, making a win against them particularly meaningful. Azhar Ali led a new-look Pakistan team that was undergoing a transitional phase.
Bangladesh clearly outperformed Pakistan throughout the series and emerged as the stronger side, ultimately winning all three matches. What made their victory even more impressive was their performance in the first Test. The opening batsmen, Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes, displayed remarkable resilience and determination by putting up a triple-century partnership for the first wicket, showcasing their team’s fighting spirit.
10. Tigresses Wins the Asia Cup
While the men’s team has faced disappointment in multiple Asia Cup finals, unable to secure a victory, the women’s team showed their mettle. They triumphed over India in a closely contested final, bringing home Bangladesh cricket’s first-ever trophy in a multi-team tournament.
On their journey to the final, Bangladesh had to defeat higher-ranked teams like Sri Lanka and Pakistan, even though they had suffered a loss against India during the group stages. In the final match, led by Salma Khatun and her teammates, they restricted India to a score of 112-9 in 20 overs.
In their pursuit of the target, Bangladesh lost wickets at regular intervals. However, they remained resilient and never allowed the required run rate to climb too high. In the last over, they needed nine runs with Rumana Ahmed and Sanjida Islam at the crease. Sanjida took a single off the first ball, followed by a boundary from Rumana in the next over, bringing the required runs down to four from four balls. Rumana then took a single on the third ball, leaving three runs needed from three deliveries.
Unfortunately, both Sanjida and Rumana were dismissed on the subsequent balls, leaving the team with two runs required off the final ball. Jahanara Alam held her nerve and managed to score those two runs, securing a momentous victory for Bangladesh.
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