With the exception of the 1-0 defeat in the two-Test series, Bangladesh have displayed tremendous consistency and played some brilliant cricket during the just-concluded bilateral home series against Pakistan. The fans might be a bit disappointed with the series loss in Tests but they will be elated nonetheless with the whitewash in the three-ODI series and the lone Twenty20 international.
Ever since the Zimbabwe series and right till the 2015 ICC World Cup, the Tigers continued with their brand of fearless cricket. The Pakistan series was no different as the Tigers recorded their first win over their sub-continent rival in 16 years. The victory in the solitary T20I also came as a relief to the supporters as it was the Tigers’ first win in the format against Pakistan.
Although many had suggested that Pakistan are experiencing a transition period, no one can underestimate the clinical fashion of the Tigers’ victories in the ODI series. En route to their ODI series victory, the Tigers usurped Pakistan from the number eight position in the International Cricket Council’s team rankings. And on an individual level, several Bangladesh batsmen and bowlers improved on their previous rankings.
In recent times, the batting department has been simply extraordinary with the impressive Tamim Iqbal leading the way. The domineering southpaw returned to form in some style, scoring back-to-back centuries.
The other opening slot, however, was a slight worry prior to the Pakistan series. The Tigers think-tank was a bit concerned after opener Anamul Haque injured himself during the World Cup. But young Soumya Sarkar put paid to all their doubts, registering a scintillating hundred in the third ODI. Run-machine Mushfiqur Rahim continued to display his class while Sabbir Rahman and Nasir Hossain were largely unable to exhibit their skills, which shows the batting depth of the side.
ODI skipper Mashrafe bin Mortaza yet again spearheaded the fast-bowling department with aplomb while the young Taskin Ahmed and Rubel Hossain continued from where they had left off in the World Cup. Spinners Shakib al Hasan and Arafat Sunny, meanwhile, continued with their consistent displays, taking regular wickets and at the same time checking the scoring rate.
Bangladesh also unearthed two new talents in pacemen Mohammad Shahid and Mustafizur Rahman. The persistent Shahid bowled a tight line and length in the Test series while Mustafizur impressed all and sundry with his ability to swing the ball.
