Five underrated performances that made a big difference
The significance of the matches in the history of Bangladesh cricket, the context of the matches and most importantly the impact of the performances have been taken into account.
Since 1997, Bangladesh have produced many moments for the fans to cherish. Some individual performances have become part of the history. The Business Standard's AHM Nayeem picks some of those underrated performances by Bangladeshi cricketers.
Mushfiqur Rahim- 89 vs England, Adelaide, 2015
It was a must win game for Bangladesh to qualify for the quarterfinals of the 2015 World Cup. Bangladesh were in a spot of bother at the 22nd over with score of 99 for four. Then Mushfiqur Rahim stitched an important 141-run partnership with Mahmudullah who became part of the history by scoring Bangladesh's maiden World Cup hundred. But Mushfiqur's 77-ball 89 was no less important but is less celebrated. The six he hit off Chris Woakes over deep mid wicket was the hallmark of his fluent batting that day. Bangladesh went on to win the match by 15 runs. Everyone talk about Mahmudullah's epic century and Hossain's memorable bowling performance whereas Rahim's effort with the bat goes almost unnoticed.
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Habibul Bashar- 71 vs India, Dhaka, 2000
Bangladesh played their inaugural Test match in Dhaka against India. Initially Habibul Bashar, the right handed batsman, was left out of the 15-men squad for the match. An in-form Bashar was distraught and decided to put an end to his career. But he was recalled after a two-day drama. Batting at number three, he played a stroke-filled innings of 71 off 110 balls against a star-studded Indian bowling line up. Afterwards, Aminul Islam became the third ever batsman in the history of Test cricket to score a hundred on their team's debut. Aminul's heroics somewhat overshadowed Habibul Bashar's significant contribution. But he was the one who started to bat freely and gave the Indians a tough time.
Mosaddek Hossain- 3/13 vs New Zealand, Cardiff, 2017
Bangladesh's epic victory over New Zealand in the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy is famous for the twin tons from the stalwarts Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah Riyad. But a very crucial contribution with the ball from Mosaddek Hossain goes almost unnoticed. Mosaddek came into the attack surprisingly in the 42nd over of the New Zealand innings. He picked up Neil Broom, Corey Anderson and James Neesham to slow the run rate down. New Zealand could manage only 62 runs in the final ten overs and set a target of 266 for Bangladesh which they chased down with 16 balls to spare. Mosaddek Hossain's spell of three for 13 ensured that Bangladesh didn't have to chase something around 300.
Tamim Iqbal- 104 vs England, Mirpur, 2016
The series is famous for the rise of Mehidy Hasan Miraz. In the first innings of the second Test, opener Tamim Iqbal smashed an aggressive hundred in a difficult wicket. His 147-ball 104 studded with 12 boundaries. Iqbal scored almost half of the runs Bangladesh scored in their first innings. Bangladesh went on to win the Test match as Mehidy Hasan and Shakib Al Hasan caused a collapse in the England batting line-up in the fourth innings. Mehidy was adjudged man of the match and man of the series. But Tamim Iqbal's contribution with the bat in the first innings of the second Test was no less important as it gave the bowlers something to bowl at.
Mahmudullah- 5/51 vs West Indies, Kingstown, 2009
Bangladesh were to play a second-string West Indies side in their 2009 Caribbean tour as most of the regular players opted out. Since Bangladesh did not have much success in red ball cricket, it was anything but a challenge despite the absence of regular West Indies players. Bangladesh set a target of 277 in the fourth innings for West Indies. On debut, Mahmudullah Riyad bowled brilliantly to bamboozle the Caribbean batsmen. His five-wicket haul saw West Indies fall short by 95 runs. Tamim Iqbal was adjudged man of the match for his splendid knock of 128. But Mahmudullah's bowling performance was instrumental in winning the first ever Test match against West Indies in West Indies.
