Barely a year into their Test journey, Bangladesh embarked
on a learning expedition to Sri Lanka for the second edition of the Asian
Test Championship. It was a baptism of fire against a seasoned opponent.
Playing their first Test on Sri Lankan soil on September 10, 2001, the Tigers
endured a chastening experience. It would set the tone for their future tours
to the island nation—filled with grit and isolated moments of brilliance amidst
overwhelming struggles.
Ashraful’s Beacon of
Light
The inaugural Test on Sri Lankan soil turned into a
nightmare as Bangladesh folded for a paltry 90 in their first innings. Facing a
mammoth deficit, a 16-year-old debutant, Mohammad Ashraful, rose to the
occasion. Against the guile of Muttiah Muralitharan and the might of Sri
Lanka’s bowling attack, Ashraful displayed a fearless approach. Dancing down
the pitch to counter spin and piercing gaps with late cuts, he carved an
astonishing century, becoming the youngest centurion in Test history.
His 114 off 212 balls was a symphony of courage and skill,
as he stood tall while wickets crumbled around him. Though Bangladesh lost,
Ashraful’s knock offered a glimpse of the team's potential—a moment of defiance
in a sea of despair.
Grit in the Face of Adversity: Kapali, Baisya, and
Monjural
The 2002 series in Sri Lanka was another tough outing, but
it showcased the resilience of Bangladesh's lower order. Reduced to 86 for 7 in
the second Test at the SSC Ground, debutants Alok Kapali and Tapash Baisya displayed a rare tenacity.
Baisya’s maiden half-century and Kapali’s dogged 39 reflected a new-found grit.
Adding to this rearguard was Monjural Islam, whose epic
72-minute duck stood as a symbol of resistance. Though the team fell short of
avoiding the follow-on, the tailenders sent a strong message: survival was
possible with patience and purpose.
Ashraful’s Class and
Bashar’s Elegance
In the years to follow, Bangladesh’s tours to Sri Lanka
continued to expose their frailties. However, moments of individual brilliance
punctuated the narrative. In the 2005 series at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Habibul
Bashar, fondly called "Mr. Fifty," produced a stroke-filled 84. His
wristy leg glances and commanding pulls delighted fans, though his dismissal triggered
yet another collapse.
Ashraful, too, continued to shine in patches. His 75 in the
2002 series and subsequent partnerships with teammates, like Mushfiqur Rahim,
hinted at what could be achieved with consistency.
Turning the Tide: The
Galle Test of 2013
The 2013 Galle Test marked a turning point in Bangladesh’s
journey in Sri Lanka. A flat track set the stage for Mushfiqur Rahim and Mohammad Ashraful to script history. Ashraful, battling a slump in form,
played one of the finest innings of his career. His 190—a blend of precision
and passion—showcased his ability to anchor an innings under pressure.
At the other end, Mushfiqur Rahim made history with
Bangladesh’s first double-century in Test cricket. His monumental 200 not out
was an exercise in discipline and determination, spanning 437 minutes and
featuring 22 boundaries. Together, they helped Bangladesh post their first-ever
600-plus total in Tests, earning a memorable draw.
Shahriar Nafees and
Bangladesh’s Future
Among the glimpses of hope was Shahriar Nafees, whose
promising debut at 19 in 2005 gave fans reason to dream. His 51 at P Sara Oval,
built on a foundation of attacking instincts, hinted at a player capable of
shouldering future batting responsibilities. Though his career would prove
inconsistent, his emergence reflected Bangladesh’s growing pool of talent.
The Road Ahead
Bangladesh’s Test journey in Sri Lanka has been a tale of
slow evolution. From Ashraful’s record-breaking debut century to Mushfiqur
Rahim’s historic double ton, the Tigers have shown they are capable of
challenging cricket’s elite. Yet, their inconsistency remains a lingering
obstacle.
Every moment of brilliance—from Bashar’s onside artistry to
the defiance of Kapali and Baisya—has contributed to shaping the team’s
identity. While victories have been elusive, these performances are a testament
to Bangladesh’s resilience and potential.
The challenge remains daunting, but cricket, like life, is a game of patience and persistence. For Bangladesh, the journey on Sri Lankan soil has been less about winning and more about learning, growing, and inching closer to a future where triumph is not a rarity but a habit.
