Tuesday, May 1, 2018

The Conquest in Dhaka: The Nip-backer of Mashrafe Bin Mortaza

In the annals of Bangladesh cricket, the emergence of a genuine pace bowler was a distant dream. The early years were marked by a dearth of speedsters who could combine raw pace with consistent productivity. Hasibul Hasan, despite his promise as a tall and sturdy fast bowler, epitomized the frustrations of an aspiring cricketing nation—relegated to the status of a medium-pacer with erratic line and length. The longing for a true paceman became more pronounced after Bangladesh’s inaugural Test on November 10, 2000. Yet, amidst the clamour of political unrest and National Elections in the winter of 2001, a young boy from Narail burst onto the scene, defying expectations and embodying the spirit of audacity.

Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, affectionately known as "Mash," was a revelation. Running in with boundless energy, he bowled with attacking intent and revelled in the primal joy of challenging batsmen. His sharp stares and sly smiles became his signature, an assertion that the Tigers could indeed roar on the international stage. From his debut at the Bangabandhu National Stadium, Mashrafe carried the weight of a cricket-loving nation desperate for heroes, and over time, he became their north star—a symbol of resilience and inspiration.

The Resilience of a Warrior

Mashrafe’s journey has been one of triumph and tribulation. He has witnessed Bangladesh cricket's evolution from a fledgling team absorbing heavy defeats to one that commands respect in global cricket. For Mash, success was never served on a silver platter. His career has been marred by injuries severe enough to sideline even the toughest athletes. Yet, Mashrafe defied the odds, returning time and again with the vigour of a cyclone, ready to obliterate anything in his path. His mental strength and stamina became the foundation of his legacy, endearing him to millions who saw in him an indomitable will.

The Whatmore Era: Crafting Mashrafe’s Legacy

The arrival of Dav Whatmore as Bangladesh’s coach in the early 2000s was a turning point for both Mashrafe and the team. Under Whatmore’s guidance, Bangladesh began to believe in their ability to compete at the highest level. The World Cup 2003 campaign had ended in disappointment, leaving the team despondent. Whatmore’s leadership proved instrumental in rebuilding their confidence, and Mashrafe emerged as one of the most promising pacers under his tutelage. By honing his skills, Mashrafe became a lethal weapon capable of challenging cricket’s heavyweights.

The Winter of 2004: A Glimpse of Greatness

When India, led by the charismatic Sourav Ganguly, toured Bangladesh in late 2004, they arrived as a juggernaut. Fresh from a series of remarkable achievements—including a drawn series in Australia and a historic victory in Pakistan—India’s batting line-up boasted legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Virender Sehwag. Bangladesh, still an emerging Test side, was expected to capitulate. However, the Tigers had other plans, and Mashrafe stood at the forefront of their resistance.

The first ODI in Chittagong saw Bangladesh fall agonizingly short by 11 runs, despite a spirited bowling effort. The absence of Mashrafe was keenly felt. By the second ODI in Dhaka, his return infused the team with renewed confidence.

The Defining Spell: Mashrafe Castles Sehwag

Batting first, Bangladesh found themselves reeling at 88 for 5. Aftab Ahmed’s gritty 67 and Mashrafe’s spirited 31 helped them claw to a respectable 229 for 9. The onus now rested on the bowlers to defend the total under the Dhaka floodlights.

Mashrafe’s first spell was electric. With the new ball in hand, he squared up to the fearsome Virender Sehwag, known for his destructive batting. The first two deliveries teased Sehwag with movement outside the off-stump, setting the stage for what was to come. The third delivery was a masterpiece—a back-of-a-length ball hurled with searing pace, cutting sharply back into the right-hander. Sehwag, caught in two minds, was beaten comprehensively as the ball shattered his stumps. The crowd erupted in euphoria. Mashrafe had drawn first blood, and the psychological advantage was firmly with the Tigers.

This breakthrough galvanized the entire team. Mashrafe’s fiery spell and his knack for rising to the occasion were emblematic of his character. Bangladesh went on to claim a historic 18-run victory, levelling the series. Mashrafe was named Player of the Match for his all-round performance, symbolizing his growing stature in international cricket.

A Foreshadowing of Glory

Three years later, at the 2007 World Cup, Mashrafe would once again torment Sehwag, dismissing him with a similar nip-backer in the iconic win at Port of Spain. That victory over India cemented Mashrafe’s place in Bangladesh’s cricketing folklore.

The Legacy of Mashrafe Bin Mortaza

Mashrafe’s career is not merely a tale of numbers or records but a testament to perseverance, passion, and patriotism. He transcended the limitations of his body and the expectations of a nation, becoming a beacon of hope for aspiring cricketers. His journey is a reminder that greatness is not the absence of adversity but the ability to rise above it, time and again.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

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