Home ›› 15 Mar 2023 ›› Sport
England were the defending World Champions in Twenty20 Internationals. Bangladesh - the historic strugglers in the format.
Despite all that, the trophy was in the hand of Bangladesh, and that too by dominating the English throughout the series.
While it is true that England were heavily depleted in their batting resources, Bangladesh completely outplayed them in all three departments, especially fielding.
That happened because of the energy that was available on this side due to the lack of veterans and the injection of youth, which ended up being the true difference.
The series was remarkable for several reasons. Najmul Hossain Shanto turned animadversions into applauds, Hasan Mahmud marvelled and showed nerves of steel, Towhid Hridoy flashed into the scene with flamboyance, Mehidy Hasan Miraz continued with his Midas touch, and Shakib Al Hasan showed that he might actually be an ageless elf, full of magic and knowing what exactly to do.
Despite all that, the one thing that will be the brand of this series was the fearlessness amidst the Tigers. Call it the magic of youth or finally finding a flawless formula, Bangladesh looked the World Champions in the eye and did not budge, not even for a moment.
Every time Bangladesh looked like the second-best, they came back roaring, pushing England to the edge and then conquering them.
“The approach we have played with is very pleasing. We have been playing well since the last Asia Cup. I hope that the results have started coming now and that we will be able to continue this,” a content Shakib said.
Alongside their fearlessness, what set apart Bangladesh was their fielding throughout the series. They did not give an inch to the visitors, allowing them no breathing space, and the result once again perpetuates the notion that in 20-over cricket, a better fielding side is likely to get
the result in the bag.
“We have fielded better than England, who are a great fielding side. This is a very big tick mark. The biggest improvement was in fielding and that should always happen. We plan to become the best fielding side in Asia. I won’t say we are far behind. I would say that this is Asia’s best fielding team,” Shakib did not hold back the praise.
This series win is more special probably because of the wickets. Bangladesh had won series against Australia and New Zealand in 2021, but all those were on doctored pitches that were minefields for batters. In this series, the wicket provided a fine balance, which makes the win even sweeter for the Tigers.
In the end, they gnawed the English to such an extent that they had nothing to do but wince in defeat. Bangladesh were simply that good. Bangladesh were simply too good.
And with this new generation of fearless cricketers, Bangladesh might just hope big. For now, the test moves from one European nation to another. For the Tigers, it’s just one more series to win. And to move forward.
With the right process. With the right mindset. With the right attitude. And with the raging fearlessness that will only grow from this win, which might just be their best-ever series victory.
