From Doubt to Determination: Bangladesh's Resurgence in Test Cricket

In the world of Test cricket, there’s a familiar refrain: “Who cares about Bangladesh?”The question, so often tossed around by non-Bangladeshi fans, reflects a longstanding scepticism. Since gaining Test status, the Tigers have endured years of disheartening defeats, each one reinforcing doubts about their place in the longest format. Critics have seldom shown sympathy, pointing out the lack of a consistent Test temperament and, at times, questioning the very credibility of Bangladesh as a Test-playing nation.

Yet, as time turns and experience grows, so too does potential. Change, after all, is inevitable, and Bangladesh has slowly but surely been learning the art of Test cricket. Thirteen years into their Test journey, some may wonder why progress has been slow, but growth is rarely linear. For Bangladesh, it’s been the slow-and-steady path, a deliberate effort to build a foundation that can eventually stand tall in the crucible of five-day cricket.

This cautious journey was evident in their recent Test series against New Zealand at Chittagong. As usual, the series drew little interest from international fans and was marred by the usual trolling of Bangladeshi cricketers on social media. But the Tigers responded in the best way they knew—on the field, with gritty and determined displays. 

New Zealand, after a formidable start, built an imposing first-innings total, with BJ Watling and Trent Boult’s last-wicket partnership dashing early Bangladeshi hopes. Facing such a total, Bangladesh's reputation suggested they might crumble. Early in their first innings, the script appeared to repeat itself, with both openers dismissed quickly, leaving the Tigers reeling at 8-2. But then, Mominul Haque, a young talent from Cox’s Bazar, took centre stage, picked over the more experienced Naeem Islam, and his response was emphatic. He shifted gears, punishing the New Zealand attack with striking ease, his offside stroke play a visual delight reminiscent of Kumar Sangakkara’s graceful precision.

While Mominul dazzled, doubts loomed—Bangladesh’s batsmen are known for bright starts that often fizzle out. But this time, Mominul found steady support from debutant Marshall Ayub, and a budding partnership helped steady the innings. As the match progressed, there were moments of peril; in the third morning, Marshall and Shakib fell in quick succession, reigniting fears of another collapse. Yet, a crucial partnership between Mominul and Mushfiqur Rahim followed, as the pair put on a 121-run stand for the fifth wicket, steering Bangladesh into safer waters. Mominul was denied a double century, and Mushfiq fell to a searing delivery from Doug Bracewell, yet Bangladesh resisted another collapse. Nasir Hossain and Sohag Gazi held firm with a 70-run stand, and although Nasir fell late in the day, Bangladesh's resolve was evident.

The fourth day saw Bangladesh’s tail wag ferociously. Sohag Gazi scored a spectacular century, while Robiul Islam provided a steady 33, propelling Bangladesh to a lead of 32. What began as a hope for survival became a memorable fightback, drawing Bangladesh close to a historic result. The final day held its own share of drama as Sohag Gazi etched his name in the record books with a hat-trick, becoming the first player in Test history to score a century, take a five-wicket haul, and secure a hat-trick in the same match. It was a remarkable feat, a gift for fans celebrating Durga Puja and Eid alike.

Beyond individual brilliance, something deeper has shifted in Bangladesh’s approach. Historically, the weight of a large total would have triggered panic, scattering partnerships and inviting collapses. But in Chittagong, Bangladesh’s batsmen showed newfound composure, and understanding when to attack and when to defend. The calmness under pressure, and the resilience to hold partnerships together—are qualities that signal a turning tide. Bangladesh may still have a way to go, but performances like these hint at a future where they can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the world's Test elite.

Such spirited displays serve as a reminder of the importance of nurturing emerging cricketing nations. A few months ago, Zimbabwe outplayed Pakistan in an upset victory, yet their opportunities to play Test cricket remain limited. The broader cricketing world must realize that genuine growth cannot be confined to T20 tournaments or fleeting ODI series. Development should mean giving all teams, including those ranked lower, a fair shot at competing in Tests against the best.

Bangladesh’s journey in Test cricket underscores the value of patience and persistence. If cricket’s custodians are truly invested in a global game, they must ensure that opportunities for Test cricket are extended to all. For now, Chittagong serves as a reminder that Bangladesh is no longer content to simply participate—they are here to compete, and in time, to conquer.

 

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

A Test of Resolve: Bangladesh Seeks Redemption Against New Zealand in the Longest Format

Three years ago, a formidable New Zealand squad arrived on Bangladeshi soil, poised to clash in an ODI series that would become more than just a competition—it would be a test of pride and resilience. The initial plan had included a two-match Test series, but in a move that stung the Bangladeshi cricketing psyche, New Zealand Cricket requested that it be scrapped. With the 2011 World Cup on the horizon, the Kiwis aimed to sharpen their one-day focus, transforming the ODI series from a three-match bout into a best-of-five showdown. Yet, what stung Bangladesh even more deeply was New Zealand’s subsequent decision to play a Test series in India just before the World Cup. Feeling slighted, the Tigers answered with unwavering resolve, decimating New Zealand 4-0 in the ODI series. Led by the mercurial Shakib Al Hasan, the Tigers celebrated a commanding victory in Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla Stadium—a triumph etched into the collective memory of Bangladesh fans.

Now, New Zealand returns to Bangladesh for a full series, comprising two Tests, three ODIs, and a lone T20I. But history tells us that the Tigers have yet to overcome the Kiwis in the longer format. Since their inaugural meeting in 2001-02, Bangladesh’s efforts to claim a Test victory over New Zealand have fallen just short. Notably, in 2008, Bangladesh almost tasted victory at Chittagong, where they set New Zealand a challenging target of 317. The Kiwis, on the brink of collapse, were saved by a resilient partnership between Daniel Vettori and Daniel Flynn, who wrested the game from the jaws of the Tigers. That Test series ended 1-0 in favor of New Zealand, another bittersweet chapter in Bangladesh’s journey toward Test credibility.

In the years since, Bangladesh has grown significantly in limited-overs cricket, but the Test format has remained a daunting frontier. Bangladesh's battles often flare with moments of brilliance, only to fade under pressure. They have, time and again, failed to deliver the final blow—a shortfall rooted in temperament as much as technique.

New Zealand’s recent record in Test cricket, however, offers Bangladesh a glimmer of hope. The Kiwis have yet to secure a Test victory this year, enduring an arduous campaign in South Africa and a humbling experience in England. Meanwhile, Bangladesh has bolstered its confidence with a Test win in 2024 and a few valiant performances against Sri Lanka. Yet, if history has taught Bangladesh anything, it’s that reliance on sporadic bursts of brilliance cannot anchor a Test win.

The Tiger’s Achilles’ heel remains their inconsistent and often impetuous batting. Over the years, Bangladesh’s batsmen have squandered hard-won advantages, their resolve succumbing to ill-timed shots and collapses that echo the all-too-familiar narrative of missed opportunities. Partnerships are brittle, and once a wicket falls, panic cascades through the lineup, leaving the entire innings in tatters. Boundaries—often relied upon too heavily—become a false comfort, masking the lack of disciplined strike rotation. The art of “occupying the crease” is a lesson the Bangladeshi batsmen have yet to fully grasp.

Against New Zealand, that lesson will be paramount. Bangladesh’s spinners possess the craft and cunning needed to challenge New Zealand, especially on turning pitches where the Kiwis have historically faltered. Yet, without cohesive and patient batting, their efforts will fall in vain. Bangladesh must strive for a collective fortitude, a batting effort that sustains rather than sputters, to translate any bowling successes into a meaningful result.

Though New Zealand arrives without the seasoned presence of Daniel Vettori and Tim Southee, they bring a resilient bowling attack. Trent Boult, Neil Wagner, and Doug Bracewell are adept in their craft, possessing the skill to dismantle even a confident batting lineup. If Bangladesh fails to apply themselves, this Kiwi unit—leaner though it may be—can still pose a formidable challenge. 

This series, then, is not just another clash between two cricketing nations. It is a test of Bangladesh’s ability to harness its limited-overs spirit and transform it into the discipline required for Test cricket—a call to show not just flashes of brilliance, but a resolve worthy of the longest format.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

Resilience Personified: The Unyielding Journey of Mashrafe Mortaza

He blazed onto the Bangladesh cricket scene like a comet, a young, untamed force destined to change the landscape of Bangladeshi fast bowling. It was 2001, and an under-17 rookie caught the discerning eye of Andy Roberts, then temporarily coaching the Bangladesh bowlers. Roberts, himself a legendary pacer, immediately recognized the raw hunger and relentless energy that the young bowler from Narail brought to the field, remarking that the boy had a promising future. And so, based on Roberts’s endorsement, this budding talent was swiftly drafted into the Bangladesh A team, and after a single match, awarded a Test cap against a visiting Zimbabwe side—before he’d even played first-class cricket.

That boy was Mashrafe Mortaza. As he took the new ball in his debut Test, there were murmurs in our medical college's common room. Bangladeshi fans still remembered the tall, lean figure of Hasibul Hossain, and many were wary of his successor. But as Mortaza bounded in with his fierce pace, the collective doubts began to dissolve. A newfound hope took shape, and astonishment lit the room. "Wow!" was the immediate response of my friends. "Is he really from Bangladesh?" we asked in disbelief, for a speedster had indeed arrived.

But in Bangladeshi cricket, hope often courts heartbreak. Over the following years, we could only glimpse flashes of Mortaza's brilliance; the sustained thrill we anticipated was eclipsed by relentless injuries. His powerful yet unsteady bowling action took a toll on his body, especially his back and lower extremities. Injuries sidelined him time and again, disrupting his career at every promising turn. Moreover, his captains, perhaps overly eager to wield their premier weapon, often deployed Mortaza in long, punishing spells, never fully accounting for the toll on his body. The result was a career punctuated with injury and interrupted potential, a saga that deprived Bangladesh of what could have been a legendary run.

Yet, what sets Mortaza apart is his indomitable spirit. Injuries may have repeatedly threatened to end his journey, but every time, Mortaza returned, as resilient as ever. To Bangladeshi fans, Mortaza became more than a cricketer; he was a symbol of courage and endurance. His tenacity and refusal to be sidelined turned him into a national hero, even eclipsing the allure of Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal during his prime.

This deep connection with his fans propelled him onward. Mortaza seemed to sense the heartbeat of his supporters, which drove him to defy the odds and claw his way back to the game he loved. After overcoming his latest injury, which had sidelined him for an extended period, he made a stunning return to the Dhaka Premier League. Fans were thrilled to see him close to his best, delivering searing bouncers, extracting movement off the seam, and bowling with sharp pace. His four-wicket haul against Abahani Limited, where he represented Mohammedan Sporting Club, was a moment of rekindled faith, a reminder that the Narail Express still had some fuel left in the tank.

If fate favours him once again, and if he secures a place back in the national squad, it will bring not only strength to Bangladesh's bowling attack but also a resurgence of hope for fans across the country, especially with the impending series against New Zealand. Yet, as always with Mortaza, the question remains: can his body bear the relentless grind of international cricket one more time? 

Only time will reveal if this comeback will be his final chapter or yet another defiant stand against the toll of injuries. For now, we are left to marvel at Mashrafe Mortaza’s journey—a testament to the unyielding will and the enduring spirit of a bowler who never truly left his game, no matter how many times he was forced to the sidelines.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Lessons in Resilience: Zimbabwe’s Triumph and Pakistan’s Test Cricket Struggles

The final day of the second Test between Pakistan and Zimbabwe was anticipated to be a riveting showdown, a climax worthy of the resilience and intensity Test cricket demands. Pakistan found themselves in a position reminiscent of the iconic Multan Test against Bangladesh a decade earlier, where Inzamam-ul-Haq, against all odds, had become a one-man fortress, leading his team to an unforgettable victory. This time, fans looked to Misbah-ul-Haq to replicate that feat, but fate, it seemed, had other plans. Misbah could not channel the magic of Inzamam, and what unfolded was a historic triumph for Zimbabwe—a moment of collective jubilation as they celebrated a hard-fought victory, leaving Pakistan stunned.

Harare became the stage for a triumph of team spirit over disarray. Zimbabwe’s path to this moment had been steeped in turmoil; the players faced disputes with their Board over overdue payments and even threatened to boycott the series altogether. Yet, in the face of these challenges, the Zimbabwean team rallied. It was a demonstration of resilience, one that saw them face off with renewed energy and self-belief, beginning from the very first Test. Although Zimbabwe lost that initial battle of patience and resilience, they emerged for the second Test a transformed unit, full of steely resolve. Pakistan, by contrast, seemed unprepared for this resolute opposition, and their frail performance allowed Zimbabwe to seize an extraordinary victory.

At the heart of Pakistan’s struggles was a persistent inability to chase down totals—a problem as old as their storied journey in cricket itself. Since the late 1990s, Pakistani batsmen have been haunted by the specter of collapsing under the pressure of a chase. Despite hiring accomplished batting coaches and holding rigorous camps with esteemed consultants, the Pakistani side has struggled to instil the mindset crucial for Test cricket. Test cricket is not just a game; it is a philosophy. It demands precision, persistence, and poise—a methodology that holds no space for rash, whimsical strokes. To succeed, batsmen must cultivate a rhythm of patience, occupying the crease and rotating the strike rather than resorting to high-risk shots. Yet, in Zimbabwe, Pakistan’s batsmen succumbed to their own flashiness, launching into promising starts only to fall in unsightly ways. This repeated approach proved costly, underscoring a worrying inability to adapt to the mental demands of the longest format of the game.

However, Zimbabwe’s success was not merely a consequence of Pakistan’s failures. Their achievement deserves to be celebrated as a testament to the power of unity, focus, and discipline under trying circumstances. In modern cricket, winning a Test match is a rare feat that goes beyond luck; it is an ordeal of mental and physical endurance. Zimbabwe’s triumph here is an example of grit and determination to conquer more formidable resources and reputations. Lacking a formidable bowling attack or explosive batting lineup, Zimbabwe relied on a disciplined, methodical approach. Their steadfast resolve underscored the fact that cricket, at its core, rewards focus and perseverance above all else.

This win propelled Zimbabwe to ninth place in the ICC Test Championship rankings, overtaking Bangladesh, and raised important questions for Bangladesh’s cricket community. While this result may not have delighted Bangladeshi fans, it offers a sobering benchmark. Zimbabwe’s rise, with fewer resources and more turbulence, is a reminder that in Test cricket, commitment and determination are as critical as talent and infrastructure. Over the past thirteen years, Bangladesh has won only four Test matches—a meagre total considering their facilities, better compensation, and a more stable Cricket Board compared to Zimbabwe. In contrast, since their re-entry to Test cricket in 2011, Zimbabwe has achieved three Test wins in two years, including this victory against Pakistan—a significant Test-playing nation.

Bangladesh’s journey in Test cricket has been marked by untapped potential. It is time to recognize Zimbabwe’s recent achievements not with envy but with a desire to emulate their progress. Bangladesh must confront the realities of Test cricket, reflecting on Zimbabwe’s success as a wake-up call. If a team facing such adversity can showcase growth and resilience, then surely, with the right attitude and strategic intent, Bangladesh too can turn its story around. For now, Zimbabwe’s triumph serves as a clear answer to the question, “Who is improving more?”

 

Thank You
Faisal Caesar

Reviving the Spirit of Bangladeshi Cricket: The Case for Dhaka Premier League Coverage

 

After a protracted period of speculation and a buildup fraught with setbacks, the Dhaka Premier League (DPL) finally launched on September 10, offering a rare surge of excitement for Bangladeshi cricket fans amidst off-field controversies and administrative turmoil. With Bangladesh cricket veering dangerously off course due to behind-the-scenes politics, the DPL has emerged as a bright spot. Here, between the bat and the ball, lies a contest that matters deeply to every cricket enthusiast and cricketer in Bangladesh—a contest with the power to momentarily eclipse the chaos and breathe life back into the game.

The league roared to life on its opening day at the Shahid Kamruzzaman Stadium in Rajshahi. As Prime Bank Cricket Club posted a commanding total of 334 runs, driven by Ziaur Rahman’s explosive 89, Mahmudul Hasan’s smooth 54, and PBB Rajapaksa’s rapid-fire 107, the battle lines were clearly drawn. Chasing this formidable target, Brothers Union found themselves struggling, unable to break free from the mounting pressure. Yet, the match was ignited by an extraordinary innings from Nafees Iqbal, who played a lone hand, scoring a remarkable 150 off 140 balls with 21 boundaries and a six. His innings was a masterclass in controlled aggression—a last beacon of hope for Brothers Union even as the team faltered around him.

However, despite the brilliance on display, only a handful of spectators at the stadium were there to witness it, for the DPL has been deprived of television coverage. This lack of broadcast and publicity is a sobering reminder of the limited attention domestic cricket receives in Bangladesh. At a time when the cricketing community is yearning for quality cricket, DPL remains an invisible spectacle, its moments lost to all but a few, denied the reach and resonance it deserves.

In a nation overflowing with television networks, it’s baffling that DPL coverage has not found a place on any channel. Broadcasting the DPL would be a balm to Bangladesh’s cricket-hungry populace, who are left with little to watch during the international off-season. The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) garners immense enthusiasm and investment; however, DPL and other domestic formats are given minimal exposure. The Dhaka Premier League and the National Cricket League are foundational pillars for Bangladeshi cricket—they cultivate our next generation of stars, shaping their skills and temperament for the international stage. It is here, in these leagues, that future legends are born, and the nation’s cricketers earn their stripes. But without coverage, these leagues remain largely invisible, even as they bear the weight of our cricketing future.

The disparity becomes even starker when one glances across the border. In India, the Ranji Trophy garners widespread attention, with cricket experts, fans, and journalists closely following its every development. Television networks deliver live action to households, while the print media keeps fans engaged with extensive articles and statistical insights. Other major cricketing nations like Australia, England, South Africa, Pakistan, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka also show deep respect for their domestic competitions, bringing them into the spotlight with thorough media coverage.

Sadly, Bangladesh has yet to recognize the heartbeat of its cricketing landscape. Our media and sponsors need to feel the pulse of the nation. While it is true that television channels require a balanced diet of entertainment and news, they cannot overlook cricket—the sport that unites our country. This oversight denies millions of Bangladeshis access to moments of cricketing greatness and the stories that unfold on their soil. A dedicated sports channel or even a more inclusive approach from existing networks could capture the thrill of DPL and NCL, fostering national pride in the cricketers who are striving, often out of view, to make Bangladesh a force in the global cricketing arena.

The time has come for our media and sponsors to recognize that domestic cricket isn’t just a step to the international stage but a vital narrative of its own—one that deserves to be shared, celebrated, and cherished across Bangladesh.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar