As hosts Bangladesh make a steady start against Pakistan in the final of Asia Cup chasing the target of 237, one, even if he/she is not is a Bangladeshi supporter, would be hoping (unless of course you are a Pakistan fan) that Bangladesh once again pull it off and get their name in the history books! They had been outstanding on their way to the final. They not only have played some excellent cricket but the fact that they have managed to beat the World Champions and finalists of last two World Cups will give their morale a huge boost!
They, in the tournament, have not only bowled well but also have showed they can chase huge scores under pressure. Today, it looks almost like a fairytale for Bangladesh. There is a spring in their steps, heads are high. They look far more confident. However, the turnaround haven't been sudden. Bangladesh, right from when it started playing cricket at the International level as an affiliate nation, has been struggling to find players with good skill. They have always depended on one of two guys in the team. They always have had to rely on the likes of Athar Ali Khan, Akram Khan or Saiful Islam over the years. Even after attaining the test status, Bangladesh looked more or less the same old minnow for a first few years. Their success depended heavily on how players like Mohammad Rafique, Habibul Bashar, Shakib Al Hasan, and Mohammad Ashraful perform. Teams like India used to visit Bangladesh and play there a series as if they were to have just some practice games.
Those days are history now! Bangladesh cricket have how a long way after that. Bangladesh have been comparatively much better in the recent years. They had been good in bits and pieces but the much needed breakthrough came when Bangladesh pinned start studded India down in the 2007 World Cup. They shot out the rivals for mere 191 before eventually chasing the total in 48.3 much to the surprise of the cricket world. Later in 2009, they made it to the final of the tri-series tournament with Zimbabwe and Srilanka being the other two participating teams. Though they narrowly lost the final (by 2 wickets), they showed the world that they no more can be taken easily and were no more a minnow. They had grown as dark horse now.
Even today, there might not have the best of facilities or infrastructure at the grassroot level but they have got some youngsters in the side who have the hunger to prove the world that they can make it big at the highest level. That they can beat the most celebrated teams and make their country proud. Even at domestic level, Bangladesh Cricket Board is trying its best to get their cricket at the next level. They have done reasonable job for the last few years and the in the latest of the steps for the betterment of cricket in the country, they recently organized a IPL type T20 domestic tournament called, Bangladesh Premier League. With this league, the domestic players not only got good stage to showcase what they can do but they also got to play against some of the finest players in world cricket, thereby helping their improve their cricket. By doing so, the players also have a chance to have a word with the experts and International players on cricketing techniques and skills and how to keep the mind cool and perform under pressure.
Another significant move has been the recruitment of Stuart Law as head coach of the national team as the successor of Jamie Siddons. This former Australian player seems to have done a world of good to the team. Ever since he has come in, the team looks a whole lot different. Now, the team doesn't depend on one or two guys anymore and the effects are showing of all this. Bangladesh's performance has been more consistent these days and they had showed the world they have all it takes to succeed at the highest level. With the efforts of the board, Bangladesh have not exciting youngsters like Shahadat Hossain, Nazmul Hossain, Mahmudullah, and Nasir Hossain to name a few. All these youngsters look to give their 100%. They throw themselves in the field to save the runs, they ball their heart out to make an impact and they bat good guns to demoralize the opposition bowlers. In this Asia Cup, they not only made a point that they have now a good allround side, they also showed that they can get the tough opposition out on an average (if not paltry) score and chase as good a score as 290.
The good thing for this youngsters is, they also have experienced players like Rahim, Mortaza and Shakib around and they can learn from their experience. Even if Bangladesh lose the final, they can held their heads high and be proud of themselves that they had made it possible in a tournament in which they weren't expected to win a single game and the one which had always been dominated by the other three participating teams (India, Pakistan and Srilanka) over the years. And if they somehow win the tournament, that would do a majical effect to the interest of the sport in the country and encourage more and more youngsters to take up cricket seriously as sport and to become a cricketer.
As Bangladeshi cricketers tackle the tough conditions and opposition in the final, no matter what the outcome of the match is, they can have a glitter in their eyes and be proud of themselves that they are responsible and can look forward to a new dawn in Bangladesh cricket!
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