History before 2015
The year 2000: it was not just a beginning of a modern era in the world of technology, business, education; it was the year when sports also got some revolution.
A new century brought many more changes especially in cricket and cricket actually got modernization as well as globalization with a new star in the making in the form of Bangladesh.
After being independent from Pakistan in 1971, they formed their own cricket team. In the year 2000, Bangladesh got a full membership as a test nation which marked their rise theoretically.
I have mentioned here the term theoretically as they never got going despite of having potentials. After having some show at the biggest stage in the 1999 world cup they got a chance at the test level, but as mentioned earlier by me they never got going.
Neither in Test level nor in ODI’s they could get many positives out of themselves.
Then, in 2005 something extraordinary happened in the history of Bangladesh cricket. It was England and the tri-series mostly focusing the big guns of the game. Bangladeshi was never counted in the competition but they had some other plans.
First, they stopped the mighty Australians with all valuable legends like Hayden, Gilchrist, Ponting, Hussey, and Symonds then they chased with a wonderful knock from Mohammad Ashraful and young Aftab Ahmed finishing it off, valuable contributions from Habibul Bashar, as well, that saw Tigers beat then the world champions under golden captaincy reign of Ricky Ponting.
This victory was undoubtedly an ignition or spark which was required for their cricket to march forward. This result prepared them for a huge campaign in the upcoming 2007 world cup that was to be held in the Caribbean.
As expected, they made a huge upset throwing out the finalists of the previous world cup India quiet early in the group stage.
Eventually, this victory in an important period not only boosted them but also saw the birth of some talented youngsters like Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim who eventually in future were set to become household names in Bangladesh.
The golden year 2015
2015 is an important year in the cricketing calendar because of the world cup and other important bilateral series including 1st ever day-night test between Aussies and black caps. But halfway through the year, the major talking point has been the Bangladeshi boys. First the world cup in Australia where they finally played a knockout game in the biggest event of them all.
If that was not all, then they showed the world that it was not by luck that they whitewashed the Pakistanis in T20’s and ODI’s. But despite showing some great fight in the test they lost the test series against the big Asian giants.
Then, the ‘bullish’ Indians who were sent packing when they lost the ODI series 2-1, where they lost the first two games and handed out a drawn test, thankful to the rain god.
The Bangla tigers rode high were given a little halt by mighty South Africans in T20’s who were beaten 2-0.
It seemed like the Tigers were given a break by the Proteas but it wasn’t long when they roared back bravely.
After the loss in the 1st ODI’s they fought back and won the series, mastered the test against World’s premier fast bowler Dale Steyn. Counter attack and positive intent is the best quality what Bangladeshi players are having in them.
Their young guns in the light of Souymya Sarkar, Litton Das, Mustafizur Rahaman along with their experience duo of Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan as well as Mashrafe Mortaza proved to be the biggest revolution in the world cricket in the year 2015.
What they have achieved is not just victories; they have won millions of heart and boosted Associate level cricketers to play with the positive mindset, key being their natural mode of play.
Don’t be surprised if they would have many more surprises in their backyard. The way they are marching forward their upcoming challenge is full power packed Australia who could just be another nail in the coffin ready to open.
bangla tigers are rising star.