Bangladesh Digs Deep To Achieve Glory In A Time Of Upheaval

Even though the cards were stacked against them, both on and off the field, they

2024-09-10

Even though the cards were stacked against them, both on and off the field, they managed to pull off a remarkable victory.

When questioned about the odds Bangladesh overcame to win the first Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi, Najmul Hossain Shanto responded in this way. Not just the odds on the field, but also the off-field ones, as Bangladesh's floods compound the miseries of a nation still recovering from weeks of political unrest.

"Of course it was a wonderful win, but let's not forget what's happening back home," Shanto stated. "What is going on in the nation is really depressing. I've noticed that everyone is attempting to assist individuals who are affected by flooding. Every one of our players is making every effort to help them as well.

"I want to dedicate this victory to the students who lost their lives fighting against bigotry. Many prayers for the souls of the departed. Their family are struggling right now. I'm hoping we can make them grin a little."

Shanto swiftly returned attention to the game by pointing out the pivotal moments in the Test match.

"It was the second evening when Zakir [Hasan] and Shadman [Islam] batted out those 12 overs," he stated. "I believe that's when we began to feel more assured. Our perspective was positively impacted by it. It was important to take all the wickets intact into the third morning. The alliance between Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Mushfiq [ur Rahim] bhai was another pivotal moment. In this game, the seventh-wicket stand that lasted for 196 runs was crucial.

"No matter what happens. Most of the boxes have been checked off today."

Bangladesh faced difficult conditions as they prepared for the Test. Eight days prior to the commencement of the series, on August 13, they arrived in Lahore to begin training after their international coaches were unable to connect with them in Bangladesh because of security concerns. During the rallies, Anamul Haque, who is in Islamabad with the Bangladesh A side, lost his business partner and close friend. Not on this tour, but a recent international from Bangladesh named Nurul Hasan participated in the demonstrations in Dhaka's Basundhara neighborhood. Nazmul Abedeen Fahim, the coach, participated in a number of demonstrations.

The psychological toll that these extraordinary occurrences have taken on Bangladesh's players and staff was disclosed by head coach Chandika Hathurusinghe. Significant changes were also brought about by the political turmoil within the Bangladesh Cricket Board. On the first day of the Test, Nazmul Hassan, the president of BCB for twelve years, tendered his resignation.

Distractions continued to arise. Shortly after taking office as the new BCB president, Faruque Ahmed reaffirmed his earlier belief that Hathurusinghe ought to be fired during his first press conference. Although Hathurusinghe has a contract that expires in January 2025, you can only understand the impact of his remarks, which were made during the Rawalpindi Test.

More significant news followed. In a Dhaka police station, 147 people were charged in connection with a murder case, including Shakib Al Hasan. Shakib, an Awami League MP from Magura, his hometown, unnerved supporters with his strong ties to the deposed government.

Since Shakib was involved in a criminal matter, a law company filed a complaint with the BCB requesting that it remove him from the Test side and send him back home to stand trial. The BCB informed the media on Saturday, the fourth day of the test, that it will make a decision after the test.

In the second innings, Shakib concluded with 3 for 44, which included a crucial wicket of the highly effective Saud Shakeel for a duck. Even though Shakib was anticipated to put out a game-winning performance, Shanto said it was impressive that he did so under these conditions.

"From what I can see, he is a very dedicated person," Shanto stated. "He will stop at nothing to help Bangladesh win the game, disregarding everything in his personal life. He supports the younger players in the club. He did a fantastic job putting up this performance to be in this circumstance. He is exceptional. We want something [even] better from Shakib bhai in the upcoming game, and we only anticipate this from him."

In addition to all of this, think about Bangladesh's results in the preceding Test. During the T20 World Cup, they lost all eight of their Super Eight matches. They had previously fallen short of the USA 2-1 in a T20I series. They also suffered crushing defeats in both Tests of their prior Test series against Sri Lanka. They last triumphed in a Test match against New Zealand at home in November 2023.

Shanto remarked, "We don't win much abroad." "I believe that since our victory against New Zealand [at Mount Maunganui in January 2022], this is our first Test victory abroad. However, in addition to winning domestically this WTC cycle, we also intended to win overseas. It is my hope that both the players and our supporters will feel more confident after this victory. In the days to come, I want us to get even better."

Although the victory at Mount Maunganui seemed exceptional at the time, Rawalpindi has experienced a shift in sentiment overall. Bangladesh appears to have at last turned the corner. They have had to overcome tremendous pressure both on and off the field, but they have handled it coolly and collectedly to give themselves and their home supporters a victory to remember.

FAQs

Who is the famous hero of Bangladesh?

Shakib Khan, Masud Rana, was his original name. He acted for the first time in the movie Anonto Bhalobasha.

What is the business of Shakib Al Hasan?

Shakib is already involved in a number of businesses, including the stock market, restaurant, hatchery, and gold. He was elected as a member of parliament in the January election. Shamim Kabir went on to say that Step Footwear will produce and sell athletic apparel and footwear under the new brand.