Toss: Australia won the toss and chose to field first.
Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, UAE
Umpires: Kumar Dharmasena & Nitin Menon
What Actually Happened
Winner: Australia won by 8 wickets
Scores: Bangladesh 73/10Australia 78/2
Player of the Match:Adam Zampa 5/19
Best Figures
Adam Zampa (4-0-19-5)
Shoriful Islam (1-0-9-1)
Most Runs
Shamim Hossain 19 (18)
Aaron Finch 40 (20)
Moments of The Day: All-Round Australia Boost Their NRR
Starc set the tone for Australia with a full ball to dismiss Liton Das. Bat and bowled, played on. Next over, Hazelwood to Soumya Sarkar. Played on. Mushfiqur missed a straight one from Maxwell. Then came Zampa and ate up the rest of the middle order. Wicket first ball and then toppled Bangladesh from 62/5 to 73/10.
Australia knew that to topple South Africa, they had to boost their NRR. Bowling out Bangladesh was 73 was just the first part (South Africa had bowled Bangladesh for 84). However, Finch’s 40 (20) & Mitchell Marsh’s 16 (5), including a last ball six ensured Australia jump ahead of South Africa.
Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: One Time An Mistake, Twice An Issue
When West Indies were bowled out for 55, we knew it was an aberration, although it showed their weaknesses.
Bangladesh’s 84/10 against South Africa could have been brushed aside as an aberration. Last game, no Shakib, I thought we would see a different, more positive Bangladesh. Clearly that was not the case. 73/10 – larger issue is at play. Liton Das, Soumya Sarkar have not flourished despite numerous opportunities. No replacement for the seniors Fab Four either. Where does Bangladesh go from here?
T20 World Cup Points Table, Most Runs, Wickets, Catches, Dismissals
No need to go elsewhere for thePoints Table, Highest Run Scorer, Highest Wicket Taker, Most Catches, and Most Dismissals. We will keep updating it in every article!
Image Courtesy: Graphic (original work), Kyle Coetzer – Photo by Francois Nel-ICC/ICC via Getty Images, Mahmudullah – Photo by Mike Hewitt-ICC/ICC via Getty Images
Toss: South Africa won the toss and chose to field first.
Venue: Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Umpires: Paul Reiffel & Richard Illingworth
What Actually Happened
Winner: South Africa won by 6 wickets
Scores: Bangladesh 84/10 South Africa 86/4
Player of the Match:Kagiso Rabada 3/20
Best Figures
Anrich Nortje (3.2-0-8-3)
Taskin Ahmed (4-0-18-2)
Most Runs
Mahedi Hasan 27 (25)
Temba Bavuma 31* (28)
Moments of The Day:
Kagiso Rabada & Anrich Nortje are back. The duo had captured the imagination for the Delhi Capitals. Although Nortje has been in form, Rabada has been off color for the past two years. Today a combined figures of 7.2-0-28-6 totally destroyed Bangladesh.
South Africa felt the nerves at 33/3 in 6 overs. However Rassie van der Dussen 22 (27) & captain Bavuma 31* (28) ensured stable victory.
Taskin Ahmed has been the only bright spot for Bangladesh in this poor tournament. He has looked faster and stronger after bursting onto the scene in 2015 and disappearing for a couple of years after that.
Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: Bangladesh Are Having a Horror Tournament
This is now their 4th consecutive loss and 5th in 7 games this tournament. The pitch was slow enough if their batters could have mustered around 130-150, but 84 is not going to win you games. Not even in T10 cricket.
T20 World Cup Points Table, Most Runs, Wickets, Catches, Dismissals
No need to go elsewhere for thePoints Table, Highest Run Scorer, Highest Wicket Taker, Most Catches, and Most Dismissals. We will keep updating it in every article!
Image Courtesy: Graphic (original work), Kyle Coetzer – Photo by Francois Nel-ICC/ICC via Getty Images, Mahmudullah – Photo by Mike Hewitt-ICC/ICC via Getty Images
West Indies Vs Bangladesh Quick Review — Nicholas Pooran’s quickfire 40, Jason Holder’s all-round package (and height), and Andre Russell’s death bowling ensured West Indies do not go out without a fight, unlike Bangladesh.
Toss: Bangladesh won the toss and chose to field first.
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, UAE
Umpires: Adrian Holdstock & Rod Tucker
What Actually Happened
Winner: West Indies won by 3 runs
Scores: West Indies 142/7 – Bangladesh 139/5
Player of the Match: Nicholas Pooran 40 (22)
Best Figures
Shoriful Islam (4-0-20-2), Mahedi Hasan (4-0-20-2)
Jason Holder (4-0-22-1)
Most Runs
Nicholas Pooran 40 (22)
Liton Das 44 (43)
Moments of The Day: Jason Holder’s Selection Inspires Dispirited West Indies
After 12.4 overs, West Indies were going nowhere at 62/4 and Roston Chase replicating Simmons’ role from their previous game. Then came in Nicholas Pooran, a man with more ducks this year than any decent size lake. Today he repaid the faith to the West Indies selectors for keeping faith in him and scored a game changing 40 with 4 sixes. When Harsha Bhogle asked what was the difference between his ball striking and the rest struggling, he said, “That is just my talent.”
Jason Holder, who replaced injured Obed McCoy, was my player of the game today. 15* (5) including 2 sixes at the end, an opening spell of 4-0-22-1, and 2 catches – including Liton Das’ catch (that only a man of his height could have caught). Why wasn’t he selected in the original squad again?
Liton Das finally found some runs and steadied the innings with 44 (43), but captain Mahmudullah took it up another notch. He scored a quickfire 31* (24) before Russell defended 12 runs in the final over.
Proper thriller.
Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: Shakib Al Hasan Injured, Pollard Goes Off, Bangladesh Almost Out
This match had more comedy of errors than actual cricket. Not one broken dream, but four or five. Here they are:
One of the more curious moments of this game was when Kieron Pollard went out when he was struggling at 8 (16) Some people prematurely declared it as a ‘retired out.’ However, it looked like the heat got to Pollard and he had ‘retired ill.’ Fortunately for the Windies, he came back just in time and hit the last ball to the fence. As it turned out those six runs proved to be extra crucial in the context of the match.
The next ball, Russell was run-out at the non-striker’s catch without facing a ball.
My Broken Cricket Dream of the day was the abysmal quality of fielding. Both sides dropped easy chances and missed stumping cost Bangladesh as well. Bangladesh could have 2 wins out of 3 in the Super 12s, but due to their fielding, they are 0 out of 0.
Shakib Al Hasan might have suffered a hamstring injury but he bowled through the pain. He was sent as a pinch hitter to fully optimize his stay. However, he had middling returns today. Bangladesh are almost out of the tournament, but Shakib’s injury makes situations even worse.
No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table, Highest Run Scorer, Highest Wicket Taker, Most Catches, and Most Dismissals. We will keep updating it in every article!
Mahmudullah – 150 runs (Bangladesh, 6 Matches)
Shakib Al Hasan – 11 wickets (Bangladesh, 4 Matches)
Calum MacLeod – 6 catches (Scotland, 5 Matches)
Nurul Hasan, Matthew Cross (Bangladesh/Scotland) – 5 dismissals
Group 1 Table
Teams
Played
Won
Lost
Tied No-Result
Points
Net Run Rate
1. England
2
2
0
0
4
+ 3.614
2. Australia
2
2
0
0
4
+ 0.727
3. South Africa
2
1
1
0
2
+ 0.179
4. Sri Lanka
2
1
1
0
2
– 0.416
5. West Indies
3
1
2
0
2
– 1.598
6. Bangladesh
3
0
3
0
0
– 1.069
T20 World Cup 2021 Group 1 Points Table
Group 2 Table
Teams
Played
Won
Lost
Tied No-Result
Points
Net Run Rate
1. Pakistan
3
3
0
0
6
+ 0.638
2. Afghanistan
2
1
1
0
2
+ 3.092
3. Namibia
1
0
1
0
2
+ 0.550
4. New Zealand
1
0
1
0
0
– 0.532
5. India
1
0
1
0
0
– 0.973
6. Scotland
2
0
0
0
2
– 3.562
T20 World Cup 2021 Group 2 Points Table
Also, if you have not yet read our T20 World Cup Previews, here is a list of all of them! Check them out and share ahead:
Image Courtesy: Graphic (original work), Kyle Coetzer – Photo by Francois Nel-ICC/ICC via Getty Images, Mahmudullah – Photo by Mike Hewitt-ICC/ICC via Getty Images
Bangladesh Vs Sri Lanka Quick Review – Finally a high scoring run chase! Sri Lanka win 4 in 4 as Bangladesh need to reflect on certain bowling decisions.
Moments of The Day: Batting Performances Mark High Scoring Day
Mohammad Naim continued his good form as he anchored the innings till the 16th over. It was Mushfiqur Rahim’s spectacular 57* that ensured Bangladesh went up to 171. The way he swept Hasaranga meant he only got 3 overs to bowl. After a poor run of form, good signs for Bangladesh that Rahim is back.
Sri Lanka had a similar story. Just like Rahim, birthday boy Rajapaksa kept the required rate in check during the middle overs, but the story of day was of Charith Asalanka—not only did he anchor the innings, he stayed till the end to see Sri Lanka get home.
Decision to hold Shakib & Fizz back contributed to Bangladesh’s loss. For the first 8 overs, it was anybody’s game. Then came in Shakib Al Hasan. Nissanka & Fernando both bowled throughout the gate. Bangladesh felt comfortable. Shakib still had 2 overs left. Instead of going for the jugular, two overs of Mahmudullah and one over from Afif Hossain brought Sri Lanka back into the game due to the presence of left handers. Finally, a 22-over from Saifuddin killed the chase. By the time Fizz and Shakib returned, SL only needed 24 of 24.
Lanka won by an over to spare and Shakib, higest wicket taker of the tournament so far, ended with only 3 overs…
Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: Liton Das
Liton Das had a poor day altogether.
16 (16), exchanged words with Lahiru Kumara after his dismissal, and dropped catches of both Asalanka and Rajapaksa, which were crucial moments in a close game.
No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table, Highest Run Scorer, Highest Wicket Taker, Most Catches, and Most Dismissals. We will keep updating it in every article!
Mohommad Naim – 126 runs (Bangladesh, 3 Matches)
Shakib Al Hasan – 11 wickets (Bangladesh, 4 Matches)
Image Courtesy: Graphic (original work), Kyle Coetzer – Photo by Francois Nel-ICC/ICC via Getty Images, Mahmudullah – Photo by Mike Hewitt-ICC/ICC via Getty Images
Toss: Bangladesh won the toss and chose to bat first.
Venue: Al Amerat Cricket Ground, Muscat, Oman
Umpires: Kumar Dharmasena & Richard Kettleborough
What Actually Happened
Winner: Bangladesh won by 84 runs
Scores: Bangladesh 181/7 – PNG 97/10
Player of the Match: Shakib Al Hasan
46 (37) & 4/9
Best Figures
Assad Vala/Kabua Morea – 2/26
Shakib Al Hasan – 4-0-9-4
Most Runs
Mahmudullah – 50 (37)
Kiplin Doriga – 46* (34)
Moments of The Day: Shakib Show All Over Again
Although Liton Das & Shakib Al Hasan gave Bangladesh a decent start, it was Mahmudullah’s impetus that led Bangladesh to a competitive total. From 72 in 10.2 overs to 181 in 20 overs.
This is Shakib’s 2nd player of the match in a row. Shakib is a World Cup man. First the 2019 World Cup and now the 2021 T20 World Cup. In these conditions, Shakib’s angle and spin, along with Mahedi Hasan’s accuracy, can choke the opposition.
Kiplin Doriga played another finishing knock to get PNG to a decent total. Without Doriga, they might have collapsed below 50.
Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: Batting Failures Underlines PNG’s Campaign
97/10 is actually looks better than it actually was. Papua New Guinea were struggling for 29/7 at one stage. With that sort of a performance, victory at an international stage will be far away. In any case, it was a joy to have PNG at a World Cup. Great people, wonderful catching, and a beautiful story.
T20 World Cup Points Table, Stat Alert
No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table, Highest Run Scorer, Highest Wicket Taker, Most Catches, and Most Dismissals. We will keep updating it in every article!
Max O’Dowd – 123 runs (Netherlands, 3 Matches)
Shakib Al Hasan – 9 wickets (Bangladesh, 3 Matches)
Image Courtesy: Graphic (original work), Kyle Coetzer – Photo by Francois Nel-ICC/ICC via Getty Images, Mahmudullah – Photo by Mike Hewitt-ICC/ICC via Getty Images
Bangladesh Vs Oman Quick Review – Shakib Al Hasan’s all-round performance with support from Naim and the Fizz made sure that the Tigers are still alive in the World T20.
Nerves were palpable as Bangladesh gave it their all to ensure they do not go out. Oman have points to ponder before their third game.
Toss: Bangladesh won the toss and chose to bat first.
Venue: Al Amerat Cricket Ground, Muscat, Oman
Umpires: Ahsan Raza & Chris Gaffaney
What Actually Happened
Winner: Bangladesh won by 26 runs
Scores: Bangladesh 153/10 – Oman 127/9
Player of the Match: Shakib Al Hasan
42 (29) & 3/28
Best Figures
Bilal Khan – 3/18
Mustafizur Rahman – 4/36
Most Runs
Mohammad Naim – 64 (50)
Jatinder Singh – 40 (33)
Moments of The Day: Naim, Shakib Key In Bangladesh’s Must-Win Victory
Mohammad Naim’s selection bring changes in fortune. Under dire circumstances, Bangladesh tried to change everything. Pushing Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah down the order and bringing Mahedi-Nurul-Afif up the order. Although this did not work, Naim’s selection over Sarkar did wonders. His 64 (50) set the platform for a decent total.
Shakib Al Hasan is back to form in a World Cup again. He was not the highest wicket taker today nor was he the highest run scorrer, but he kept Bangladesh together with contributions from both sides.
A word on Bilal Khan – 4-0-18-3 today. He is providing Oman the swing and wickets at the front and is a joy to watch. Hope we get to see more of him.
Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: The Collapse
At 81-2, Oman were in the game but ended with only 127/9 with collapse at 105/7. The net run-rate could be important at the end of this group.
No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table, Highest Run Scorer, Highest Wicket Taker, Most Catches, and Most Dismissals. We will keep updating it in every article!
Image Courtesy: Graphic (original work), Kyle Coetzer – Photo by Francois Nel-ICC/ICC via Getty Images, Mahmudullah – Photo by Mike Hewitt-ICC/ICC via Getty Images
Toss: Bangladesh won the toss and chose to field first.
Venue: Al Amerat Cricket Ground, Muscat
Umpires: Ahsan Raza & Richard Kettleborough
What Actually Happened
Winner: Scotland won by 6 runs
Scores: Scotland140/9 – Bangladesh 134/7
Player of the Match: Chris Greaves
Best Figures
Mahedi Hasan – 3/19
Brad Wheal – 3/24
Most Runs
Chris Graves – 45 (28)
Mushfiqur Rahim – 38 (36)
Moments of The Day: Bangladesh’s Spinners, Chris Greaves, and MacLeod’s Catching Makes It Scotland’s Day
Bangladesh Spinners Turn The Screws – George Munsey and Matthew Cross had taken Scotland up to 45/1 in 7 overs after the early wicket of their captain. Within the next 5 overs, Bangladesh took full control with the Mahedi Hasan-Shakib al Hasan duo. Scotland
Chris Greaves and Mark Watts Manifest Recovery of the Ages – Switch hits, smart running, and with proper cricketing shots, the Greaves-Watts partnership of 51 (34) gave Scotland belief. Watts departed by Greaves continued on his merry way to 45. Add Safyaan Sharif’s 8* (2) including a mighty six, Scotland got much needed momentum.
Calum MacLeod Catches Three Out of Thin Air – Although tight all-round bowling was the reason Bangladesh could not chase the score, equally as important was Calum MacLeod’s role as a boundary rider. Important catches of Shakib, Mahmudullah, and Nurul Hasan was the difference between a win or loss. One drop, and Bangladesh close that six run margin. However, MacLeod’s brilliance made sure that did not happen.
Honorable Mention: There Is Swing at the T20 World Cup! Taskin, Saifuddin, Brad Wheal, & Josh Davey all found some hints of swing
Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: The Musfiq-Shakib Partnership
Mushfiqur Rahim has been one of the best wicketkeeper-batters over the past decade, and Shakib Al Hasan is undoubtedly one of the greatest all-rounders of all time (and now the highest wicket taker in T20Is). However, today’s loss might be attributed to their slow partnership – 47 (46) recovery was done, but could not carry on. 38 (36) & a painful 20 (28) does not do justice to their talents and experience.
No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table, Highest Run Scorer, Highest Wicket Taker, Most Catches, and Most Dismissals. We will keep updating it in every article!
Jatinder Singh – 73* runs (Oman, 1 Match)
Zeeshan Mahmood – 4 wickets (Oman, 1 Match)
Calum MacLeod (Scotland, 1 Match) – 3 catches
Group B Table
Teams
Played
Won
Lost
Tied No-Result
Points
Net Run Rate
1. Oman
1
1
0
0
2
+ 3.135
2. Scotland
1
1
0
0
2
+ 0.300
3. Bangladesh
1
0
1
0
0
– 0.300
4. Papua New Guinea
1
0
1
0
0
– 3.135
T20 World Cup 2021 Points Table
Also, if you have not yet read our T20 World Cup Previews, here is a list of all of them! Check them out and share ahead:
Image Courtesy: Graphic (original work), Kyle Coetzer – Photo by Francois Nel-ICC/ICC via Getty Images, Mahmudullah – Photo by Mike Hewitt-ICC/ICC via Getty Images
Is Babar Azam in the Fab Five? Does he join Kane Williamson, Steven Smith, Virat Kohli, and Joe Root or replace Root altogether? This was the talking point in the first test of the ongoing England-Pakistan Test series.
The debate will continue. In the meantime, I offer a counterargument.
Who are the true Fab 5 of this era? None of the above.
I argue that the Fab 5 of this decade is not a combination of stars. Rather, it is the core of a single team: The Bangladesh Fab 5—Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah Riyad, Tamim Iqbal, and Mashrafe Mortaza.
The Argument
The Golden Period of The 2000s
In the 2000s, each team had a golden generation or a solid core.
Australia, South Africa, and Sri Lanka had world-beating teams. Pakistan had Younis-Yousuf-Inzi. Similarly, India had Sehwag-Tendulkar-Dravid-Ganguly-VVS, NZ had Fleming-Astle-McMillan-Vettori, and even a declining West Indies team had Gayle-Sarwan-Lara-Chanderpaul.
Although Australia were the standout team of the generation, all the other teams had multiple match-winners and could challenge Australia on their day. Over the past decade, though, most of the teams have undergone a transition as older generations retire.
The Current Generation
Sure, Williamson-Smith-Kohli-Root/Azam are all great. They have consistently dominated the batting charts across formats both at home and abroad. However, teams consisting of a group of playersconsistently winning games over all the formats in the past decade has been a rarity.
New Zealand had a brief period of stability with the McCullum-Guptill-Williamson-Vettori-Boult/Southee era. Likewise, England were just beginning to develop a side that could sustain its dominance on one-day cricket before the pandemic intervened. Sri Lanka and South Africa have yet to recover from the transition, while most others revolve around one or two individuals.
Hence, the only team in the past decade with a golden generation has been Bangladesh.
The Team: Bangladesh Cricket Fab 5
Today’s Bangladesh team is a competitive force. Maybe even second best in Asia. It is no longer considered an upset when they win. This was not always the case.
First Memory
1999 and 2007. Years that Bangladesh fans remember fondly.
Bangladesh first burst onto the scene in the 1999 Cricket World Cup (CWC) when they stunned Pakistan. Although that game caught the eye of the world and paved their Test cricket dreams, it was the 2007 WC victory against India that would usher a new era for Bangladesh altogether.
Mashrafe Mortaza rocked India with his opening spell and 4 wickets. Tamim, Shakib, and Musfiq all made crucial 50s. 17-year old Tamim’s running-down-the-wicket assault to Zaheer Khan was the highlight, and Mushfiqur stayed till the very end to deliver victory.
Wisden cricketer of 2011, Tamim Iqbal established himself as Bangladesh’s opener between 2007-2011. After a brief slow patch, Iqbal has become the symbol of consistency since the 2015 World Cup. Earlier in his career, he was known for his aggressive stroke play. As he gained experience, he has taken more responsibility and curbed the aggression.
Result: Test centuries and longer ODI innings. Accumulated hundreds in all formats, highest Bangladeshi run-scorer across formats, and the first to 10000 international runs.
Test: 4405 runs, 38.64 average, best of 206, 9-100s/27-50s
ODI: 7202 runs, 36.74 average, best of 158, 13-100s/47-50s
T20I: 1758 runs, 24.08 average, best of 103*, 1-100/7-50s
Shakib is, perhaps, Bangladesh’s first cricket superstar. One of the best all-rounders of all-time and certainly of this era. Coveted by worlds T20 franchises and Ranked No. 1 in all three formats for the majority of the decade. He has rescued Bangladesh time and again. Whether it is finishing a innings, taking 5-fors as a hobby, or taking responsibility as No.3 at the 2019 World Cup, scoring over 600 runs and taking 10 wickets— he has done it all.
Records: Fastest to 6000 runs + 250 wickets, 2nd Bangladeshi to 10000 international runs, and more
Test: 3862 runs, 39.4 average, best of 217, 5-100s/24-50s + 210 wickets at 31.12
ODI: 6323 runs, 37.86 average, best of 134*, 9-100s/47-50s + 260 wickets at 30.21
T20I: 1567, 23.74 average, best of 84, 9-50s + 92 wickets at 20.58
Only wicket-keeper to score two or more double centuries in test-cricket (he has 3), Mushfiqur has become the pillar of Bangladesh’s line up and an energetic presence behind the wicket. Short in stature, he has become one of the best players of the pull shot and the reverse sweep. Always preserving his best against India, he most recently finished the T20I game in 2019 to exorcise the ghost of Bangalore in 2016. Will go down as one of all time best wicket-keeper batsman.
Test: 4413 runs, 36.77 average, best of 219*, 7-100s/21-50s + 119 dismissals
ODI: 6174 runs, 36.31 average, best of 144, 7-100s/38-50s + 225 dismissals
T20I: 1282 runs, 20.03 average, best of 72*, 5-50s + 62 dismissals
A late-entrant into the Fab 5, Mahmudullah is Bangladesh’s shock absorber. Has been involved in almost all of their famous victories. Most famously, promoted to No.3 in the 2015 World Cup, he scored back-to-back centuries. The turning point in Bangladesh cricket was the 2017 Champions Trophy match against New Zealand when he and Shakib combined a partnership to go from 33/4 to chase 265. Later in his career, he has become a finishing specialist. Also a handy off-spinner and astute captain in the BPL.
Test: 2764 runs, 31.77 average, best of 146, 4-100s/16-50s
ODI: 4070 runs, 33.63 average, best of 128*, 3-100s/21-50s
T20I: 1475 runs, 24.18 average, best of 64*, 4-50s
Debuted in 2001, the longevity of Mortaza’s career as a fast bowler itself is an incredible achievement. Began his career as someone who could bowl in the late 140s Km/hr. Ended as a line-and-length control bowler with speeds down in the low 120s. Started the fast bowling revolution in Bangladesh, but his claim to fame is his captaincy. Kept the team united for the last 5 years of his career, providing a period of growth for Bangladesh cricket. Also a handy lower-order batsman.
Test: 78 wickets at 41.52 + 1/1 win as captain
ODI: 270 wickets at 32.93 + 50/88 wins as captain
T20I: 42 wickets at 36.35 + 10.28 wins as captain
What Makes Them Great?
The beauty of this generation is in the variety of the roles they play.
Tamim Iqbal is an opener. Mushfiqur Rahim is a middle-order wicket-keeper. Shakib Al Hasan their premier spinner and all-rounder. Mahmudullah the calm finisher. Mortaza—once the pace spearhead, now the ace captain.
They have all been vice-captain and captain at some points in time. Shakib-Musfiq-Mahmudullah have batted in all the positions in the middle order. Hence, the fluidity in the batting order and experience is why they have become a consistent team.
Regardless of the selections around them, the Fab 5 have been a reliable presence for the past 10-15 years.
The opening batting partners of Tamim and bowling partners of Mortaza might change, the understudies to Mushfiq’s wicket-keeping and Riyad’s finishing might come and go, others from Bangladesh’s left-arm-spin-factory might briefly complement Shakib, but these five themselves have remained a constant.
The Moments
After India were defeated in 2007 CWC, South Africa also faced defeat against the mighty Tigers. Subsequently, they knocked out England in 2011 and 2015. They truly became a global force in 2016 with series victories against India, South Africa, England, and Australia across formats at home.
Recently, with the 2018 Asia Cup final almost ending in a tie, Bangladesh winning their first tri-series, and a memorable 2019 CWC campaign with an inspirational superhuman display from Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh have definitely elevated their status in world cricket.
Furthermore, Bangladesh U-19 team has shown immense progress. They went to the semi-finals in 2016 under Mehidy Hasan Miraz and last February, they lifted the U-19 WC trophy when captain Akbar Ali kept his nerve. The new generation of Bangladesh are talented and hungry to win.
The Legacy
Imagine this squad for the 2023 Cricket World Cup:
Openers: Tamim Iqbal, Mohammad Naim, Soumya Sarkar
Wicket-Keepers: Liton Das, Musfiqur Rahim, Mohammad Mithun
Middle-Order: Mahmudullah, Afif Hossain, Akbar Ali
All-Rounders: Shakib Al Hasan, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mehidy Hasan Miraz
Fast-Bowlers: Rubel Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Abu Haider, Taskin Ahmed
Liton Das has been earmarked as a destructive batsman for the future. The Fizz has already made a name in T20 leagues around the world. Saifuddin and Miraz have taken the baton from Shakib for the future all-rounder spot.
In addition, with Mosaddek Hossain, Taijul Islam, Sabbir Rahman in-and-out of the side and the likes of Saif Hassan and Rakibul Hasan waiting in the wings, this squad looks potentially dangerous. All-rounders, solid openers, variety of fast bowlers, and choking spinners, this squad has it all.
Mortaza has said on numerous occasions they are targetting 2023 semifinals at least. Maybe they will go far in the 2023 world cup. Maybe they won’t. In any case,
Whatever Bangladesh cricket accomplish in the future from now, it will be built on the shoulders of these giants.
What The Future Holds
With the advent of T20, overkill of cricket, increasing injuries to fast bowlers, mental pressure the players need to deal with, we may no longer have sides that play together for a long time across formats. Heck, we may now have different teams playing different formats on the same day, an idea Eoin Morgan recently alluded to.
What we can do, is to enjoy the final stretch of these players that have given Bangladesh cricket and world cricket whole loads of joy.
