A total of 117 players from 14 disciplines represented Bangladesh at the previous edition of the Asian Games in Indonesia five years ago and returned home empty-handed before the women cricketers put an end to the wait after thrashing Pakistan in the bronze medal match in Hangzhou, China Monday.
Even kabaddi men’s and women’s teams, who brought at least a bronze or silver in every edition since the sport’s inclusion in 1990 for seven times in succession, failed to clinch a medal for the first time in 32 years.
Cricket was not included at the 2018 Asian Games but had it been, circumstances would perhaps be different as the men’s and women’s cricket team bagged a gold, two silvers and a bronze after the sport made its debut in 2010.
Bangladesh met the same opponent with different set of players in the final of the 2014 Asian Games women’s cricket competition but lost the thrilling encounter by four runs in accordance with Duckworth/Lewis method.
They won the bronze medal playoff this time by five wickets, thanks to 16-year old Shorna Akter.
Her all-round performance helped the Tigresses emerge victorious and earn Bangladesh its first medal at the 19th Asiad.
Nigar Sultana Joty won the toss and sent Pakistan to bat first before the bowlers, led by young leg-spinner Shorna, restricted Pakistan to 64 for nine in 20 overs.
Shorna, who made her Twenty20 international debut against Sri Lanka in February this year at the T20 World Cup, picked up three wickets for 16 runs in her quota of four overs.
Aliya Riaz was Pakistan’s top-scorer with 17 before getting dismissed by Shorna in the final over.
Coming in to bat at No 5 following the fall of early wickets, Shorna steered the Tigresses to victory with a calm unbeaten innings of 14 off 33 to secure the first medal at the biggest multi-sports carnival in Asia.
Alongside praising Shorna, captain Nigar also gave credit to the full team effort for the win after conceding a crushing defeat to India in the semi-finals last Sunday.
“Just a day after what happened against India, the credit totally goes to the team because of the overnight motivation and giving 100% on the pitch, which is a big matter. It was an extraordinary comeback,” said the skipper.
She added, “We batted and bowled brilliantly. Shorna finished the game. She has always been a good player. She has been doing well since her time with the Under-19 team. She is boosted up now. It will help her perform better in future.”
Bangladesh Olympic Association’s secretary general Syed Shahed Reza congratulated the lone medal winners of the country at the ongoing Asiad.
“The expectation was there to get a medal from the women’s cricket team. It was not gold but at least we managed to beat a strong team like Pakistan to win bronze. I want to congratulate the women cricketers for winning the first medal for Bangladesh,” said the BOA secretary general.
Brigadier General Ashrafuzzaman Siddique, the deputy chef de mission of Bangladesh contingent, said the victory of the women cricketers should inspire others to meet their expectation of more medals.
Female booters get Vietnam lesson
Women’s football team experienced what it is like playing against World Cup playing nations as they lost to Vietnam 6-1, three days after a thrashing 8-0 defeat against former world champions Japan on their Asiad debut.
Bangladesh had a couple of shots on target in the opening half that ended 2-0 as Rituporna Chakma saw her long effort go straight to the goalkeeper.
After conceding three goals in only 10 minutes, skipper Sabina Khatun had a free-kick blocked by the wall before Rituporna’s cross to the goalmouth went in vain.
Masura Parvin converted a penalty three minutes before the end of stipulated time which came as a consolation before the encounter against familiar foes Nepal in the final group fixture Thursday.
Rafi improves timing, taekwondo exit
Young swimmer Samiul Islam Rafi bid farewell to his debut Asian Games campaign after finishing at the bottom of heat 3 in the men’s 50m backstroke event.
Rafi clocked 27.20seconds.
The timing however, is a promising improvement for the 18-year old who took 28.22s to finish the same event at the World Championships in Hungary last year.
After gymnastics, taekwondo became the second discipline out of 17 from the country to see the exit door after Mohammad Eleas lost his Round of 32 fight against Iranian opponent in men’s -58kg event.
Arnab shoots career best, Talha gets bye
Shooting team comprising Arnab Sharar, Robiul Islam and Tamjid Bin Alam finished seventh in the men’s 10m air rifle team round with a total score of 1875.6 points.
Arnab also produced his career best score of 626.2 in the qualification round of individual 10m air rifle event to claim 18th place out of 54 shooters.
He participated in five World Cups where his personal best was 623.2 in Bhopal earlier this year.
Tamjid and Robiul placed 22nd and 28th, scoring 625.5 and 623.9 respectively.
Boxer Mohammad Abu Talha got a bye from his opening fight scheduled for Monday and moved directly to the next round of men’s 51kg event.
