Breaking Lankan hearts, spoiling Sachin’s feat
COLOMBO: Mahmudullah’s six in the fifth ball of the final over in the Nidahas Trophy clash against Sri Lanka helped Bangladesh snatch a dramatic two-wicket victory and seal their place in the final. In the process, Bangladesh have knocked out Sri Lanka of a tournament organised to mark the nation’s 70th year of independence.
However, this is not the first time that Bangladesh have played party poopers on a big stage. But the fact they achieved this on March 16 makes it even more symbolic.
Six years ago, Bangladesh had achieved something spectacular and it spoiled the achievement of one of the best players of the game.
On March 16, 2012, India took on Bangladesh in the Asia Cup in Dhaka. All eyes were on Sachin Tendulkar, who was on 99 international centuries. For over a year, the 100th century eluded Tendulkar, prolonging the agony of fans.
On that day, Tendulkar became the first batsman to score 100 international centuries. His 114 helped India reach 289/7 in 50 overs but fifties from Tamim Iqbal (70), Jahurul Islam (53) and Nasir Hossain (54) kept Bangladesh in the hunt. Shakib Al Hasan (49) and Mushfiqur Rahim (46*) helped Bangladesh win by five wickets and spoil Tendulkar’s momentous occasion.
Bangladesh fondly remember Test cricketer left-arm spinner Manjarul Islam Rana, who died in a road accident in Khulna on March 16, 2007. A day later, Bangladesh beat India in the World Cup in the West Indies, which led to India crashing out of the tournament. One of the top performers of that match, allrounder Mashrafe Mortaza stood up on the dressing room table and dedicated the win to Rana. March 16 thus continue to hold a special place in Bangladesh’s cricketing history.