Echoes of Multan and Fatullah at Chattogram: A Tale of Hope, Heartbreak, and Lessons Learned

As the fifth day at Chattogram dawned, Bangladesh stood just 33 runs away from history. Sabbir Rahman, the calm debutant, was entrusted with steering the ship home alongside the tail-enders. Ninety overs lay ahead—a lifetime in cricketing terms—for the Tigers to exorcise the ghosts of Multan and Fatullah. Yet, within 19 minutes, dreams crumbled, and the hopes of a nation sank in the Bay of Bengal. 

The heartbreak was palpable. Another defeat, another haunting memory to join the ranks of Bangladesh’s near-misses. But amidst the wreckage, there were undeniable positives. This was no meek surrender; it was a battle, a statement of intent against one of the world’s most formidable Test teams. Bangladesh proved their mettle, testing England’s nerves and skills in a way few expected. 

As the caravan moves to Mirpur for the second Test, the task before Bangladesh is clear: to build on Chattogram’s promise and ensure that their spirited performance doesn’t remain an isolated spark. 

A Need to Move On: Learning from Chattogram

History warns of complacency. After the heroics at Fatullah against Australia in 2006, Bangladesh wilted in the second Test. Similarly, the defiant stand by Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes at Khulna last year was followed by a dismal collapse in the next match against Pakistan. Both times, focus faltered, and hunger waned. 

This time must be different. The Chattogram defeat should not become a weight that drags the team down but rather a springboard for growth. Captain Mushfiqur Rahim’s post-match words struck a chord: 

"We tried what we could. Nobody expected Bangladesh to play in this manner after 15 months. We showed our character to a side like England. It’s not frustrating; it’s a learning experience."

This perspective is essential. Bangladesh’s next challenge is not just to replicate the fight but to elevate their game, correcting the errors that proved costly. 

Tactical Adjustments for Mirpur

1. Sabbir Rahman: A Star Rises

Sabbir Rahman’s debut was nothing short of remarkable. His calm, composed innings belied his inexperience, showcasing a batsman of immense promise. Too often in Bangladesh, Sabbir has been pigeonholed as a flamboyant limited-overs player. Yet, his Chattogram performance revealed a batsman with refined technique, exquisite timing, and the maturity to play grounded, risk-free strokes. 

For Mirpur, Sabbir should be promoted to number five. Shakib Al Hasan, while an all-round genius, can thrive lower in the order as a finisher and counter-attacker at six or seven. Sabbir’s elevation would add stability to the middle order, allowing Mushfiqur and Shakib to play their natural games without undue pressure. 

2. Strengthening the All-Round Core

Mehedi Hasan’s emergence as a bowler of substance has added a new dimension to Bangladesh’s attack. However, his batting, though promising, isn’t yet reliable enough for the number eight position. To bolster the lower order, Bangladesh should consider an all-rounder like Soumya Sarkar or Mosaddek Hossain. 

Soumya’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him an ideal fit at eight. His medium-pace bowling can offer crucial support in keeping one end tight, while his batting has the potential to provide the late-order resistance often needed in tight contests. 

3. A Singular Focus on Pace

Bangladesh’s pace-bowling cupboard remains sparse, necessitating careful resource management. At Chattogram, Kamrul Islam struggled to make an impact, his lack of aggression and belief starkly evident. Mirpur could be the stage for Subashis Roy, a bowler with a proven track record in domestic cricket and the hunger to seize his chance. 

Bangladesh might also consider fielding only one specialist pacer, with Soumya Sarkar serving as a part-time seamer. This would allow the team to focus on their spinners, who are better equipped to exploit Mirpur’s conditions. 

Devising a Plan for Ben Stokes

Ben Stokes was England’s heartbeat at Chattogram. His controlled aggression with the bat and reverse swing with the ball turned the tide in England’s favor on multiple occasions. Neutralizing him will be critical. 

With the bat, Stokes has shown vulnerability against full, quick deliveries aimed at the stumps. Shakib Al Hasan’s quicker ball in the first innings exposed this weakness, and Bangladesh must persist with this strategy. With the ball, Stokes thrives on exploiting gaps in defence. Sabbir Rahman’s approach of staying back and behind the line offers a blueprint for countering his reverse swing. 

Chattogram’s Legacy and the Road Ahead

The Chattogram Test was more than just a cricket match—it was a crucible of resilience, a showcase of talent, and a reminder of the beauty of Test cricket. It forced Bangladesh to confront their limitations but also revealed its potential. 

As they head to Mirpur, the challenge will be to channel the lessons learned, staying focused, hungry, and united. This is an opportunity to prove that the fight at Chattogram was not a fleeting glimpse of greatness but the beginning of a new chapter in Bangladesh’s Test journey. 

Mirpur awaits. The ghosts of Multan and Fatullah can finally be laid to rest—but only if the Tigers roar with the same intensity that captivated the world at Chattogram.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Chattogram Test: A Masterclass in Cricketing Drama

 The Chattogram Test between Bangladesh and England came to a dramatic conclusion on the 82nd over of the final day. Ben Stokes, England’s indefatigable allrounder, delivered a good-length ball that darted into Shafiul Islam after pitching. The ball struck Shafiul’s front pad, and the appeal that followed was as emphatic as the umpire’s raised finger. Kumar Dharmasena, who endured a torrid match with his decisions, adjudged Shafiul out, reasoning that he was not offering a shot. Bangladesh’s review was in vain, and so ended one of the most thrilling Test matches of the year. 

This match was a kaleidoscope of cricketing excellence: breathtaking all-round displays by two of the game’s premier allrounders, Ben Stokes and Shakib Al Hasan; the promise of two exceptional debutants, Sabbir Rahman and Mehedi Hasan; and a pitch that became the silent protagonist of an unforgettable cricketing tale. 

The Chattogram Pitch: A Silent Hero

In today’s cricket, the idea of a “good pitch” is often reduced to a batsman-friendly surface where runs flow freely, with bowlers left to toil in frustration. Such surfaces inflate batting averages but come at the cost of Test cricket’s essence: the battle between bat and ball. These sterile pitches frequently yield dull draws or lopsided contests, raising questions about the future of the game. 

Yet, history tells us a different story. The most enthralling Test matches have often been contested on pitches that challenged batters and empowered bowlers. The Chattogram deck was one such surface—far from the modern ideal, but a perfect canvas for the artistry of Test cricket. 

This pitch had everything: bounce for the new-ball bowlers, turn for the spinners, and just enough unpredictability to keep batters second-guessing. As the match progressed, the surface slowed down, but not excessively. It demanded skill, adaptability, and precise technique from the batters. Careless footwork or a misjudged stroke proved costly, while disciplined batting was richly rewarded. 

Unlike the proverbial minefields, this deck was balanced—it didn’t outright favour bowlers, nor did it allow for freewheeling stroke play. Instead, it demanded that batters play each ball on merit, employing late adjustments and flawless footwork. For bowlers, it offered just enough to make them an integral part of the narrative. 

A Test of Skills and Mental Fortitude

The pitch’s character infused the match with drama, pushing players to their limits. It reduced reckless shot-making, forcing batters to focus on composure and calculated shot selection. It tested their ability to leave deliveries, rotate strikes, and build partnerships—hallmarks of classical Test batting. 

Bangladeshi fans, who often delight in boundary-laden innings, found themselves cheering for subtler moments of cricketing mastery. Sabbir Rahman’s singles and twos, Mushfiqur Rahim’s patience in leaving deliveries, and Tamim Iqbal’s restraint with big shots drew applause. Similarly, the crowd was captivated by England’s ability to rotate strikes during Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow’s vital partnership in the third innings. 

This shift in perspective among fans highlights a broader lesson: Test cricket’s allure lies not only in flamboyant shots but in its nuanced battles. The Chattogram pitch underscored the value of patience, resilience, and strategic gameplay—qualities that elevate the format above its shorter counterparts. 

The Call for Sporting Pitches

The match rekindled a debate about the role of pitches in preserving Test cricket’s relevance. As Sachin Tendulkar aptly observed, “The wickets need to change; they need to be more helpful for bowlers. In T20s, the greatest of bowlers are being reverse-swept. Three hundred is no longer competitive in ODIs. So there should be at least one format where bowlers have a better chance of executing their skills.” 

Tendulkar’s words resonate deeply in an era where batting often dominates. A true contest between bat and ball is the lifeblood of cricket, and pitches like Chattogram’s are critical to restoring balance. A track that challenges both batters and bowlers creates a narrative filled with tension, unpredictability, and moments of brilliance—everything that Test cricket should aspire to be. 

Preserving Test Cricket’s Soul

The Chattogram Test was a reminder of why this format remains the pinnacle of cricket. The pitch, meticulously crafted by Bangladeshi curators, played a pivotal role in this epic encounter. Its balanced nature enriched the contest, forcing players to adapt and innovate while captivating spectators with its twists and turns. 

As Test cricket faces challenges from shorter formats, pitches like these must become the norm rather than the exception. They hold the key to ensuring that the oldest format of the game not only survives but thrives in an era of instant gratification. 

In the end, the Chattogram Test wasn’t just a match; it was a celebration of cricket’s purest form—a tale where the pitch itself was a co-author of history.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

A Series of Contrasts: Bangladesh vs. Afghanistan ODI Analysis

 

The recently concluded ODI series between Bangladesh and Afghanistan offered a rollercoaster of emotions for cricket enthusiasts. While the first two matches were fiercely contested nail-biters, the final encounter revealed Bangladesh’s dominance in no uncertain terms. Posting a challenging total of 279 for 8, the Tigers’ emphatic victory in the series decider not only reinforced their mettle at home but also showcased the lingering charm of the 50-over format in an era where Twenty20 often steals the spotlight. 

However, the series was a tale of both triumphs and lessons, painting a nuanced picture of Bangladesh’s cricketing landscape. 

The Positives: Building on Strengths

1. A Safe Haven for Cricket

The most significant takeaway from the series transcends the boundary ropes. Since the tragic events in Gulshan in 2016, doubts about Bangladesh's capability to host international cricket lingered. This series served as a testament to the country's resilience and its readiness to welcome the cricketing world back to its shores. With England set to tour next, the assurance of safety has bolstered Bangladesh’s credibility as a host nation. 

2. Emergence of New Talent

The series spotlighted the promising Mosaddek Hossain and the redemption arc of Mosharraf Hossain. Mosaddek, a prodigy from the domestic circuit, seized his opportunity with both bat and ball, underscoring the depth of Bangladesh’s bench strength. Meanwhile, Mosharraf’s return to the fold after years of turbulence—a ban for participating in the Indian Cricket League and involvement in the BPL’s spot-fixing saga—was a heartening narrative. His composed bowling in the third ODI offered a glimmer of hope and redemption. 

3. Sabbir Ahmed’s Rise

The decision to promote Sabbir Ahmed to number three was a calculated gamble that paid dividends. Traditionally branded a Twenty20 slogger, Sabbir’s deft stroke play and ability to keep the ball grounded revealed a batsman with a solid technique. This tactical shift could redefine his role, proving he is more than just a lower-order hitter. 

The Negatives: Areas of Concern

1. Powerplay Woes

Bangladesh’s struggles during powerplays remain a persistent issue. Despite having explosive hitters, the Tigers faltered repeatedly, losing wickets and failing to capitalise on fielding restrictions. In the third ODI, an innings poised for a 300+ total was derailed during the powerplay—a recurring shortcoming that demands urgent redressal. 

2. Mismanagement of Key Players

While Sabbir’s promotion was a masterstroke, Mahmudullah Riyad’s misplacement in the batting order was a glaring misstep. The veteran has thrived at number four, averaging an impressive 74.13. Forcing him into unfamiliar positions like number three or six disrupts his rhythm and diminishes his impact. Restoring him to his optimal spot is imperative for Bangladesh’s batting stability. 

3. Dropped Ranking Points

Despite clinching the series, Bangladesh’s three ICC ranking points loss dampened the celebrations. Starting at 98 points, they dropped to 95 after Afghanistan’s narrow victory in the second ODI. This puts them at risk of slipping further, especially with Pakistan closing in on the seventh spot. With the ICC World Cup 2019 qualification rules in play, every ranking point is crucial, and the upcoming series against England now carries heightened stakes. 

4. Security Concerns

A surreal moment unfolded in the third ODI when a fan breached tight security to hug captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza on the field. While touching from an emotional perspective, the incident exposed vulnerabilities in stadium security. With high-profile tours like England’s on the horizon, such lapses must be addressed swiftly to ensure the safety of players and spectators alike. 

A Stepping Stone Towards Progress

The Bangladesh-Afghanistan series was a microcosm of cricket's highs and lows. It showcased Bangladesh’s growth as a formidable ODI side while simultaneously exposing areas requiring attention. As they prepare to face England, the Tigers must consolidate their strengths, address their vulnerabilities, and embrace the challenge head-on. 

For fans, this series reaffirmed the enduring appeal of the 50-over game—one that still has the power to captivate and thrill in equal measure.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar