When the very strong South African lions landed in the Bengal tigers territory Bangladesh was harboring the opportunity for winning at least one ODI match and reassure its berth for 2017 ICC Champions trophy. Given the recent very consistent performance over the last 9 months in ODI (whitewashing Zimbabwe, winning World Cup matches against Afghanistan, Scotland and knocking English Lions, whitewashing Pakistan and series win against India) it was not improbable.

We all know now after squaring the three matches ODI series 1-1 Bangladesh is poised to win yet another ODI series against superior opposition today. If that happens, it will be a hat trick of ODI series win and a glittering Eid Gift to 160 million adoring Bangladeshis.

We were discussing here in Monash University this morning that there is nothing else in cricket in Bangladeshi community now where two persons when they meet see eye to eye. They widely differ in political thoughts and other perceptions. It is only in cricket where the entire nation irrespective of age group, sex, religion, cast and creed, political divide shout in unison. Winning against top cricket playing nations and winning consistently are great milestones achieved.

What a way Mashrafe–Mushfique led-tweeting tigers are making the nation rediscovering their enormous potential, igniting self-belief with can do attitude and application? Bangladesh will take still 6 more years its vision of  reaching  mid income group but in cricket it is knocking the door of reaching the elite group of half a dozen already.

What we have seen in ODI  series so far makes one feel how the teams appeared in two exactly contrasting style over the two matches. In the rain curtailed first ODI tigers batting first were blown away by debutant K Rabada. Bangladeshi batsmen were shocked and awed by the rookie pacer-achieving hat trick in his very second over of ODI career. From there on, they could not recover and shot out for a paltry 160 runs. Defending that total even bowling and fielding was not that bad. Amla and de Cock could be consumed early. But, du Plessis and Rossouw batted exceeding well in cruising to 8 wickets convincing win.

This loss created some sort of panic among the BCB think tank and a section of print as well of social bad. There were hectic parleys in BCB administrations unimaginatively dictating playing eleven selections. It was unwarranted and unbecoming encroachment in others areas.

But fortunately Mashrafe-led tiger squad did not lose focus. Mashrafe and Nasir in press meet talked of very high team spirit and resolve of fighting back for staying in the series.

The second match was a do or die endeavor for the home team. Bangladesh replaced leg spinner Jubair with pacer Rubel. The team bounced back like wounded tiger and paid the African lions back on their own coins. The team as a unit bowled superbly. South Africans were caught napping with brilliant pace and swing of Rubel and Mustafiz. They were shackled by tight spin bowling of Nasir, Mahamudullah and Shakib. Mustafiz mystery deliveries could not be decoded, Rubel bowled fast and accurate, Nasir’s spin was too hot to handle. South African batting crumbled under pressure. It was not easy for batting also on a two  paced, slow turning track. Classy Amla’s stump was knocked back by a lovely Rubel delivery, de Kock’s stay at the wicket was like bee biting him. He succumbed to Mustafiz. Rossouw, Miller and Duminy had no clues to brilliant Bangladeshis bowling unit. Even du Plessis fighting alone could not prosper and carry team longer on his shoulder. Behardien tried to rally with the tail enders. But it was too little too late. Bangladesh fielded as sharply as the South Africans. A score of 162 on such a wicket was not going to challenge the emerging tigers.

Bangladesh innings also started on a panicky lane. Tamim looked unsettled for something unknown. He charged down the wicket on the very first ball he received and was lucky to survive. It is not that he does not play like this. Sometimes it works and he goes on belting all bowling around the park. His hands eyes combinations are usually superb. But he also failed regularly these days playing in this mode. His stumps were knocked back by Rabada when he again ran down to attack his very first delivery on the day, which he could very easily leave alone. Liton came and played some lovely looking aggressive strokes. But his stay was also brief as another beautiful fast in swinger got through the gate of his bad and pad. Rabada with two early strikes raised some concerns of twist in the tail. Many thought it may another Rabada show.

Mahmudullah joined Soumya who till then was starving for strikes. Riad’s presence had a great calming effect on brilliant Soumya. His stroke play was much more discreet and disciplined. This pair combined sweetly running their singles well and punishing occasional loose deliveries with gay abandon. Soumya looked elegant and graceful. Mahmudullah was a symbol of matured classy batting. The 135 runs third wicket match winning partnership created new partnership record for Bangladesh against South Africa at any wicket. With a stroke away from winning Mahmudullah got out scoring yet another half-century. Very fittingly winning strike came through a massive strike of sizzling Soumya, which roared over and across the fence. Bangladesh achieved its first ODI win against South Africa in bilateral contest (second overall).

Bangladesh won a match against a formidable opposition without any contribution from the bat of Tamim and Shakib. Mushfiqur and others were not required even to bat. This Bangladesh team no longer relies on contribution of two or three players. Everyone do their part well when called upon.

What Can Happen Today?
One remarkable thing that now has happened to Bangladesh cricket marshaled so aptly by Mashrafe is that it does not take foot away from the pedal. Playing aggressive cricket all the way they take the fight to the opposition camp. There are classical stroke makers like Tamim, Soumya, Shakib, Sabbir and Nasir. There are cool calculative batsmen like Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur. Mashrafe makes right bowling changes at the right time and his charges hardly disappoints. The field settings are also spot on.

Bangladesh is not expected to change the winning combination although some quarter is urging to bring in Anamul in place of either Tamim or Liton. We still think there are no reasons for losing faith and confidence on Tamim. He is still just an innings away from riding into his rhyme. Liton will also perform. There is no need to change the bowling combination. Shakib and Mashrafe have unique opportunities of achieving milestones of 200 ODI wickets.

Mashrafe needs one and Shakib needs two. More disciplined Soumya playing his natural aggression will further prove his emerging talent. His excellent performance has already earned his father’s transfer to his native district and power connection in his village home. Ever reliable Mahmudullah is there with his rock solid defense and spider like networking in batting. Shakib and Mushfiqur are expected substantial innings today. Shabbir and Nasir at lower middle order gives quality and class. Bangladesh in changed mood has already proved an invincible side.

South Africa has option for playing Morkel and Parnell in place of Morris and Abbott. But Chittagong wicket may be flat batting wicket with some assistance for the spinners. Bangladesh has to play Imran Tahir and Duminy a bit carefully.

Hashim Amla is due for a long innings. Bangladesh will make its job half done if Amla can be consumed early. He is too good a batsman to remain in run drought for a long time. Mustafiz and Rubel combination will continue to hunt the South African top order. We must not forget Mashrafe either. His controlled bowling also stagnated South Africans in the second ODI.

All said and done, we feel that Bangladesh now stands on the threshold of a major achievement. A series win against the top team of the world (skilled and truly professional) will be the precious EID gift to 160 million Bangladeshis at home and abroad. It may be difficult but not impossible or improbable. Go tigers Go.

BDST: 0838 HRS, JULY 15, 2015
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