Our wins are no longer upsets, say former Bangladesh hero

Bangladesh cricket has only gone from strength to strength in recent times. When they defeated New Zealand in their Champions Trophy clash in Cardiff and made it to the semifinals of the Champions Trophy, it brought back memories of Bangladesh’s memorable win against Australia at this very ground 12 years ago.

On that day, Bangladesh skipper

Habibul Bashar and Mohammad

Ashraful scored 47 and 100 respectively, and their 130-run stand for the fourth wicket was instrumental in the side scripting a 5-wicket win.

Bashar, currently one of the national selectors, felt Bangladesh’s progress in the Champions Trophy has to be the highlight of the nation’s cricket journey.

“This performance has to be the pinnacle of our cricket history,” Bashar said.

“When this tournament was first held in Bangladesh back in 1998, we didn’t even feature in it. But now, we are in the semi-finals and have come a long way. Everyone knows how obsessed we are about cricket in Bangladesh and this show justifies the faith people have in this team. We have won bilateral series before but doing well in ICC competitions has been our goal.”

The 44-year-old did agree that Bangladesh got help from the weather gods during the course of the tournament, but felt the team rose to the occasion during crunch situation. “Yes, rain came to our rescue against Australia, but our never-say-die attitude won us the game against Kiwis. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t tensed when we were 33 for 4 against New Zealand. But Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah brought all their experience together and ensured a brilliant win.”

Bashar hopes that the side will continue their good run in the semi-finals as well.