Cricket

In the bustling metropolis of Dhaka, where vehicles sport extra metal fenders as a precaution against traffic, there is an eternal quest for pride. This pride manifests in the proverbial emphasis on the Bangladeshi hilsa, known locally as ilish, being superior to its Indian counterpart. Beyond these fishy tales, this fierce "we are never inferior" sentiment finds further expression in the indignation of an elderly rickshaw driver who is aghast that his passenger does not speak Bengali.Recently, Bangladesh has made headlines both for political turmoil at home and sporting triumphs in Pakistan. These developments are seen as a coup, upsetting the old order and clearing a path amidst the chaos. However, the essential trait rippling through India's neighbor, which nearly splits the North East from the mainland, is centered around proving a point. If India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka are comfortable with the currency denomination rupee, for Bangladesh, it has to be taka, the Bangla equivalent.A land that was once East Bengal, as part of British India, became East Pakistan during the 1947 Partition and finally emerged as an independent entity named Bangladesh in 1971, with India lending a hand. These historical inflexion points, marked by bloodshed and trauma, have largely shaped a country itching to find its feet against Pakistan and immediate big brother India. If its former motherlands tend to cast a patronizing gaze, Bangladesh would have none of that.This rage often finds an outlet on the sporting frontiers. A Mashrafe Mortaza may request Yuvraj Singh to put in a word during the early days of the IPL auctions, but on the field, the Tigers, as Bangladeshi cricket players refer to themselves, always refuse to take a step back. This attribute has often been obvious against India, like at the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies where a defeat in their opening game against Bangladesh contributed to Rahul Dravid's men crashing out. Much later in 2012, when Sachin Tendulkar scored his 100th international ton in an Asia Cup game at Mirpur, his party was spoilt as it was Bangladesh that eventually prevailed in the clash.Cut to the present, it is Pakistan's turn to face the bruising effects of running into a resurgent Bangladesh. Playing in its backyard Rawalpindi with its Punjabi twang, Pakistan was expected to be this tough host. History too tended to support this assumption and back in the 1980s when the West Indies brushed aside most opposition, the Caribbean men always found it difficult to impose their writ in warm Pakistan and cold New Zealand.From those glory days under Imran Khan, Pakistan may have slowly regressed as a cricketing nation and yet there is no mistaking the talent pulsing within its veins across Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Peshawar. But when the dust settled, it was Bangladesh that reigned, pocketing the two-Test series 2-0. Previously the Tigers had won abroad against the West Indies, an opposite version of its glory days, and Zimbabwe, another anaemic rival, but to defeat Pakistan was indeed a stunning achievement.Considering the historical angst between the two nations and the added strain of the unrest back home, Bangladesh did well to focus on the game rather than brood over the tumult in Dhaka. In the first Test, Pakistan declared at 448 for six and then gaped at Bangladesh's 565 mounted on Mushfiqur Rahim's 191. Najmul Hossain's men had gained the psychological brownie points and the host's 146 in the second dig sealed its fate, with the spinners, the wily Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, proving to be a handful. A meagre target of 30 was easy pickings and the visitor claimed a 10-wicket victory.That old foible of self-combustion that shadows Pakistan was recalled all over again but the sense was that Bangladesh might find it difficult to do an encore at Rawalpindi. However, in a match of tight margins, the Tigers had the last roar. A six-wicket victory gave Bangladeshis enough to cheer, be it in Sylhet or Chittagong. A ton by Litton Das, a Bengali Hindu, another pointer to the myriad threads that bind the Indian subcontinent, and wickets from pacers Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, and Nahid Rana, as well as from Mehidy, meant that Pakistan was forever boxed into a corner.The what-ifs will linger, maybe the host could have extended its first innings in the first Test, perhaps more runs in the second Test may have deflated the opposition. But all this remains in the realm of conjecture. Shan Masood's captaincy or Babar Azam's run-drought will be dredged up and analyzed threadbare but to extrapolate excessive meanings would be an extreme measure. Bangladesh caught Pakistan cold and the series could have gone either way.Pakistan is at a stage much akin to the West Indies, where all its cricketing greats are in the commentary boxes. Babar and Shaheen Afridi should get into that rarefied pantheon someday but for now they have to fire in unison for their team. Ever since the terror attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in 2009, Pakistan has found its credentials as a host being questioned. Countries with the exception of India may have started touring Pakistan now but that long phase when Dubai became the base and top-flight cricket did not happen back home has hurt the system within the country.In Mushfiqur and Shakib, Bangladesh has battle-hardened veterans. The duo's prickly behavior is never easy on the eye but a job gets done and the fans seem fine with it. Bangladesh now awaits a sterner test when it tours India, with two Tests and three T20Is being part of the schedule. Rohit Sharma's men in Tests and Suryakumar Yadav's troops in T20Is should offer a reality check about where exactly the visitor stands in the cricketing hierarchy. India has been a consistent outfit over the years, is indomitable at home and travels well too, a fact the Aussies would grudgingly vouch for.India will start the favorite but Bangladesh would believe that it has a sting in its tail. In 2010 when India toured Bangladesh, pacer Shahadat Hossain struck Dravid's jaw in a Test at Mirpur. Even within India's dominant aura, Bangladesh had found something to smirk about. This constant desire to surprise established rivals, especially a behemoth like India, should drive Bangladesh forward while dealing with the awkward fact of tucking into Indian hilsa over the next few weeks and pretending that the taste buds aren't impressed!

Bangladesh's historic Test series victory over Pakistan has etched itself into the annals of cricket history. The Tigers' 2-0 clean sweep marked their maiden Test win against the formidable Pakistan side and their first Test series triumph (of two matches or more) against a team other than Zimbabwe or the West Indies.Mehidy Hasan Miraz emerged as the hero of the series, claiming 10 wickets and earning the Player of the Series award. The all-rounder's exceptional performance was instrumental in Bangladesh's dominant display."I'm really happy. This is the first time I won the Man of the Series award overseas," Miraz said after the match. "It's a tough job batting at number 8, but I'm just trying to start rotating and support the batsman."Miraz's five-wicket haul in the second Test was a testament to his skill and determination. "I'm really happy because it's been difficult to bowl on this pitch," he said. "I got five wickets, so it's a good moment for me."Beyond his on-field achievements, Miraz dedicated his award to the family of a rickshaw puller who died during a recent anti-discrimination protest in Bangladesh. "I want to dedicate this Man of the Series Award to the people who were martyred during the anti-discrimination student protest," he said.Miraz has since fulfilled his promise by handing over the Pakistan series' prize money to the rickshaw puller's family. This act of compassion further cemented his status as a role model both on and off the field.Bangladesh's Test series victory over Pakistan is a testament to the team's growing maturity and resilience. The Tigers have proven that they can compete with the best in the world and are capable of achieving great things.

Bangladesh Pacer Shoriful Islam Ruled Out of India Test Series Due to Groin InjuryBangladesh's hopes of continuing their Test success in India have been dealt a blow with the news that pacer Shoriful Islam will miss the two-match series due to a groin injury.Shoriful, 23, played a key role in Bangladesh's historic Test series win in Pakistan, taking three wickets in the first Test in Rawalpindi. However, he sustained the injury during the match and was unable to feature in the second Test.The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed Shoriful's absence in a statement on Thursday, saying that he is still recovering from the injury and is unavailable for the series.The injury is a significant setback for Bangladesh, who are looking to build on their momentum after defeating Pakistan. The team will now have to rely on their other pacers, including Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed, and Syed Khaled Ahmed, to provide the necessary firepower.Despite the absence of Shoriful, Bangladesh will still be confident of putting up a strong fight against India. The team has a number of experienced players, including Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Litton Das, who have all performed well in Test cricket.India, on the other hand, will be looking to maintain their dominance in Test cricket. The team is currently ranked seventh in the ICC Test rankings, seven places ahead of Bangladesh. India is also leading the World Test Championship standings.The first Test between India and Bangladesh will begin on September 19 in Chennai, while the second match will start on September 27 in Kanpur.

Bangladesh's historic series victory against Pakistan has propelled the team into the spotlight, but their star player, Litton Das, is eager to shift focus to the upcoming challenge against India.Das, who played a pivotal role in Bangladesh's triumph, believes it's crucial to leave the past behind and concentrate on the upcoming Test series against India. "We have played very well against Pakistan. That is already in the past," Das emphasized. "It's important to move on and focus on the big challenge ahead."The Bangladesh team recognizes the magnitude of the task ahead, as they will face a formidable Indian side on their home turf. "When we play India at their home, they are always the better side," Das acknowledged. "They are a very good team in their own conditions."One of the key challenges for Bangladesh will be adapting to the SG ball, which is used in Test matches in India. "The SG ball is somewhat difficult," Das observed. "It's tough to play with the Kookaburra when the ball is new, but it's easier to play once the ball is old. However, with the SG ball, playing with the new ball is somewhat easier, but playing with the old ball is tougher."Despite the challenges, Das remains optimistic about Bangladesh's chances. "We are practicing, let's see what happens," he said. "We need to focus on this. In Test cricket, you have to win sessions. Every session is important."Das believes that Bangladesh has room for improvement, particularly in the first sessions of their matches. "Personally I feel we couldn't play our 100% in the first sessions," he said. "There is room for a big improvement here."As Bangladesh prepares for the India series, Das's leadership and determination will be crucial in guiding the team to success.

Bangladesh's upcoming two-match Test series against India presents a unique challenge for the team as they transition from the Kookaburra ball to the SG ball. The SG ball, used in India, possesses a prominent seam, unlike the Kookaburra ball, which poses different challenges for batters.Litton Das, a key batter for Bangladesh, acknowledged the need to adapt to the SG ball's behavior. He noted that the SG ball is harder to play against when it gets old, unlike the Kookaburra ball, which becomes easier to play with age.Das emphasized the importance of moving forward from Bangladesh's historic Test series win over Pakistan and focusing on the upcoming challenge against India. He stressed the need for media support in this regard, requesting them to refrain from dwelling on the past success.The first Test between Bangladesh and India will commence in Chennai on September 19, followed by the second Test in Kanpur from September 27. Bangladesh will aim to build on their recent success and adapt to the SG ball's unique characteristics to challenge India on their home turf.

Khaled Mahmud, a former Bangladesh captain and a long-serving BCB director, has resigned from his position, becoming the latest board member to depart in recent weeks. Mahmud's resignation, submitted via email, marks the end of his 11-year tenure as a BCB director.During his time on the board, Mahmud held various roles, including game development chairman and cricket operations vice-chairman. He also served as Bangladesh's team manager, assistant coach, selector, and technical director.Mahmud's resignation follows the departures of Jalal Yunus, Naimur Rahman, and Ahmed Sajjadul Alam from the BCB board. The reasons for these resignations are not entirely clear, but they come amid a period of transition for Bangladesh cricket.Mahmud's departure is a significant loss for the BCB, as he was a highly respected figure within the organization. He was instrumental in Bangladesh's Under-19 World Cup victory in 2020 and has a proven track record of success as a coach, winning the BPL with Dhaka Dynamites in 2016 and several DPL titles with Abahani Limited.As a player, Mahmud represented Bangladesh in 12 Tests and 77 ODIs, earning Player of the Match honors in Bangladesh's famous victory over Pakistan in the 1999 World Cup. He captained Bangladesh in nine Tests and 15 ODIs, although the team never won a game under his leadership.Mahmud's resignation raises questions about the future of the BCB and the direction of Bangladesh cricket. The board will need to find a suitable replacement for Mahmud and address the concerns that have led to the recent departures of several board members.

Bangladesh's upcoming tour of India presents a unique challenge for the team as they prepare to face the SG ball, a significant departure from the Kookaburra ball they are accustomed to. Litton Das, a key figure in Bangladesh's recent Test victory over Pakistan, has emphasized the need to adapt to the different characteristics of the SG ball."The ball will be a different one in India," Das said. "It is a little harder to play against the SG ball. The Kookaburra ball is easier to play when it gets old. It is the opposite with the SG ball. It is harder to get away against the old ball when it's the SG."To prepare for the challenge, Bangladesh's white-ball players are reportedly training with Kookaburra balls, as the T20Is that follow the Tests in India will be played with that brand.Despite their historic series win over Pakistan, Das urged the team to remain focused on the present. "We played good cricket against Pakistan but it is already in the past," he said. "It is important for us to look forward. We will need your (media's) help. It would be helpful if you don't talk about the Pakistan series. As a player, it is already in the past for me."The upcoming series against India and Pakistan has generated significant anticipation among Bangladesh fans. However, Das refused to view it as a burden. "It is inspiring that people will know you if you do well," he said. "There's nothing better than that. I don't think it is pressure. We are improving in Tests, so we have to become more consistent in the format. That's the main challenge."Das's role as a lower-middle-order batter suits his natural game, where he often finds himself batting with the tail and has no choice but to go for his shots. However, he has also shown his ability to adapt, batting for nearly six hours to rescue Bangladesh in Rawalpindi."I have to take responsibility now," he said. "It is the right time. I have been playing for ten years, so there has been some experience. I try to score off deliveries that I believe are there to hit. Scoring runs is more important these days. I think I bat in the same way that most batters approach the game."Das acknowledges the risks associated with his aggressive style of play, but he believes it is the key to his success. "If it gives me more chance to get out, it also gives me a lot of opportunities to score runs," he said. "I usually get to bat with (Mehidy Hasan) Miraz. Sometimes I bat with Shakib bhai (Shakib Al Hasan) or Mushfiq bhai (Mushfiqur Rahim). If I don't play my shots, the team score won't go anywhere. I want to play like this. I try to play the way I bat in training."Bangladesh will depart for India on September 15 to play two Tests in Chennai and Kanpur, both part of the World Test Championship. The three T20Is that follow will be held in Gwalior, Delhi, and Hyderabad.

Bangladesh's rising star, Nahid Rana, is setting his sights on the upcoming Test series against India after his impressive performance against Pakistan. The 21-year-old speedster has emerged as a key figure in Bangladesh's bowling attack, and he is eager to make an impact in the highly anticipated series.Rana's journey to the international stage has been a remarkable one. Hailing from Chapainawabganj, he began his cricket career in 2020 after his brother enrolled him in an academy. Within a short span of time, he made his first-class debut in October 2021 and quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with.In the 2022-23 National Cricket League, Rana and Sumon Khan both took over 30 wickets, a rare feat for fast bowlers in the domestic tournament. His impressive performances earned him a call-up to the national team, and he made his Test debut against Sri Lanka in March.Rana's Test debut was a memorable one, as he bowled at speeds over 150 kph and made an immediate impact. He continued to impress in Pakistan, especially with early breakthroughs, including the wicket of Babar Azam. In the second innings of the final Test in Rawalpindi, Rana took four wickets for 44 runs, helping Bangladesh secure a historic 2-0 series win.Reflecting on his performance, Rana said, "Before leaving, I had said that I wanted to achieve something for my country, and it feels great to have delivered on what was expected of me."Rana's success is not only due to his raw pace but also his ability to adapt and learn. He credits various senior players for his development, but he is determined to create his own identity in cricket. "I don't want to be like anyone else. I want to create my own identity and be known as Nahid Rana of Bangladesh," he said.As Bangladesh prepares for the Test series against India, Rana is confident in his team's abilities. "India are a good team, but the team that plays better cricket will win. We will see when we go there," he said.The first Test in India is scheduled in Chennai, known for its bouncy pitch. Rana is excited about the challenge and believes that his pace will be an asset on such a surface. "Pace is something you can't always predict -- it depends a lot on rhythm. Sometimes, it just clicks, and suddenly you find yourself hitting those speeds," he said.Nahid Rana is a rising star in Bangladesh cricket, and his performances against Pakistan have only heightened expectations. As he prepares for the upcoming Test series against India, he is determined to make a lasting impact and help his team achieve success.

Pakistan's Test cricket woes reached a new low on Tuesday as they suffered a humiliating 2-0 series defeat at the hands of Bangladesh. It was the first time the Tigers had ever triumphed in a Test series against Pakistan, marking a historic low for the once-formidable side.The series loss has sparked widespread criticism, with former batter Salman Butt emerging as a vocal critic. However, Butt has taken aim at those who have called for Pakistan's batters to increase their strike rate in Test cricket."The strike rate mafia and intent mafia are basically illiterates of cricket," Butt said in a video on his YouTube channel. "They have no idea about the format they are talking about."Butt argued that Test cricket is about patience and building partnerships, not about scoring runs quickly. "You lose within four days and come back, what are you going to do by playing fast? You played just 46 overs. What hurry do you have? Why don't you understand that your job is to bat long?"Butt also questioned the logic of comparing Pakistan's batters to the likes of Joe Root, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma, who are known for their aggressive approach in limited-overs cricket. "Do the greats of the game play like highlights? Do they score runs in this fashion?" he asked.Pakistan's Test ranking has plummeted to eighth, their lowest since 1965. The series loss to Bangladesh is the latest in a string of setbacks for the side, which has also suffered a historic whitewash in their two-match home Test series against England.The defeat has had a significant impact on the ICC World Test Championship standings. Bangladesh's 2-0 series win has seen them leapfrog England to number four, while Pakistan has dropped to eighth position.