Bangladesh 256/8 [Mahmudullah Riyad 82*, Mushfiqur Rahim 77, Mashrafe Mortaza 39, SF Mire 3/49, Madziva 3/60] beat Zimbabwe 235 /8 in 50 Overs [BRM Taylor 63, SF Mire 52, Sakib 2/28, Jubair 2/42, Rubel 2/48] by 21 runs.

A very inspired Bangladesh Cricket team is firing with all cylinders under a very dynamic Mashrafe Mortaza the spirit of Bangladesh and symbol of Never Say Die.

This writer after a decade and a half was there in the stands of the home of tigers at Sher-e–Bangla Cricket Stadium in Mirpur of Dhaka. I was proud witness of yet another ODI victory against tourist Zimbabwe by 21 runs which makes them firm favorites for yet another whitewash in ODI series against an ICC full member team.

It was after a long time I was flanked by Bangladesh Cricket legend great Raquibul Hasan and living encyclopedia of Bangladesh sports Nazmul Amin Kiron at the Dhaka Cricket Coliseum.

A jam-packed stadium witnessed how a changed Bangladesh team rallied brilliantly subdued a fighting Zimbabweans on a juicy wicket under an overcast sky. Bangladesh having won all the matches – three tests and four ODIs of the series so far is looking good for a comprehensive series whitewash.

Bangladesh, after a shaky start losing four top order batsmen for not too many, showed a great character of fighting back to the wall in reaching a challenging score of 256 for 8-wicket in its allotted overs.

Mushfiqur played an effortless 77 in 78 deliveries and his brother-in-law Riyad anchored the Bangladesh innings with yet another classy unbeaten 82. Inspired tiger leader Mashrafe Mortaza delivered the killer punch with a scorching 39 off 25 deliveries with 4 strikes along the carpet and two over and across.

Musfique–Mahmudullah’s fifth wicket partnership of 134 runs resurrected the Bangladesh innings from a pathetic 4/32 to a comfortable zone. Bangladesh put paid visitors efforts of claiming a surprise win bowling intelligently well and sticking to the task as plotted by the leader Mashrafe.

“Narail Express” could write a new script in world cricket had not been under surgeon’s knife for four times. If not injured he could by this time take Bangladesh to greater heights in all formats of international cricket.

Who else in world cricket had the tenacity and commitment to return the way Mashrafe did over and over again. Present writer was really impressed the way he has marshalled his resources with grit, determination, flair and energy and has been receiving tumultuous ovation from the adoring tiger fans.

Mashrafe was distinctly lucky with the coin once again. Few questioned his decision of opting to bat under a misty overcast afternoon when the seam and swing of Zimbabwean pacers made some early inroads into Bangladesh top order.

Tamim and Anamul after two century partnerships in two earlier ODIs appeared to struggle right from the word go. The ball was seaming on the wicket and swinging in the heavy condition.

Bangladesh think tank did also a mistake in changing set top order replacing Mominul with Imrul Kayes. If this change was to be made at all one of the opener may be Anamul should have given way to Kayes.

If not match fit it was not proper to drop Mominul. Number three position must not be experimented like this. Anamul, Tamim, Kayes and Sakib could not resist the resurgence of Zimbabwean quality pace attack in a little bit favoring condition. Bangladesh was reeling at 32/4.

But this team under a new cheer leader, a battle hardened Mashrafe fought back. Fittingly it was Majestic Mushfiqur and his brother-in-law consistent Mahmudullah Riyad fought back.

The very bright 134 runs partnership in 25 overs piloted the ship in the troubled sea. Both were looking good for ODI century but neither could. Mushfiqur got out in the power play scoring run a ball 77 and Mahmudullah remained unbeaten on 82.

We are all along suggesting for Mushfiqur slotting at number four in all formats of international cricket for Bangladesh. He is arguably the best technically equipped batsman at this moment. It is now great to see that after a long struggle Mahmudullah is also making great contributions consistently for a while.

Bangladesh middle order can now absorb few hiccups like they did yesterday. Mushfiqur’s wicket triggered a mini collapse as Sabbir and Abul Hasan followed him within 17 deliveries adding only 11 runs in the power play overs.

Fortunately this time skipper Mashrafe played a blinder of an innings smashing four exquisite boundaries and two over boundaries in his 25 balls blitz of 39.

Bangladesh set target of 257 appeared manageable as wicket eased up a little.

But this Bangladesh team is a changed unit under a thinking captain who hates to lose till the match is lost. Mashrafe’s first over was little bit expensive but he quickly adjusted. Sensing the skiddy nature of the wicket and a little bit uncertainty in Sibanda’s approach he introduced his trump card Shakib as early as the 7th over.

His effort was duly rewarded as super Shakib struck gold removing both the openers in quick succession. The positive reply of the tourist got a jolt at 51/2 at 12.2 over. Mashrafe gamble with his teenage debutant Juabir also struck gold as the leggie fooled Maruma with a beautiful googly in his very first over in ODI.

This was followed by a very flowing and dynamic Zimbabwean partnership between Taylor and Mire. For the first time in the entire trip, the top tourist Batsman Taylor could do justice to his reputation.

With a 106 runs fourth with partnership the tourists appeared to be cruising at 165/3 at the edge of the power play overs Bangladesh was looking a bit anxious.

Mashrafe kept rotating his bowlers in search of a break through. Rubel and Jubair made double strikes at this crucial stage putting a brake. From 3/165 it became 5/172 within the wink of an eye. When Mashrafe removed Chigumbura early Bangladesh roared back on the path of victory.

The rest of the Zimbabwean batting did not have the quality to counter the multi-dimensional Bangladesh attack. But still they went lot closer in this ODI than the previous three. A victory margin by 21 runs definitely looked much closer than previous three ODIs. But the striking reality is Bangladesh is leading 4-0 and looking set for a series whitewash.

Mahmudullah fittingly rewarded as Man of The Match for the great anchoring role of Bangladesh batting battle ship in stormy sea.

It was really encouraging to see several performers of the team peaking at the right time. Blooding teenager prodigy Jubair Hossain is the right decision. He must be a part in the plan of Bangladesh for the world cup as he has greater chance of success on bouncy Australia New Zealand wickets.

But I will suggest him play  at MCG , Manuka Oval and Woolong Gaba  as grounds in New Zealand are little smaller. I was particularly impressed with googly he bowled in only the fifth ball of his first over in ODI cricket. He has a future in World Cricket.

We discussed past, present and future with the Willy Wiseman of Bangladesh Cricket Raquibul Hasan. He can be a great mentor for the young tigers for a very challenging ICC World Cup 2015. We hope to meet again in Australia next year when Tigers appear.

Bangladesh’s absorbing shocks and recovering was reassuring. Team has learned to win. Things will not remain rosy all the time. But as long as they leave nothing without a fight will be acceptable to Tiger fans. Tigers are looking hungry and angry.

BDST: 1008 HRS, NOV 29, 2014