A Tale of Pressure and Planning: Mushfiqur Rahim and Bangladesh’s Battle with Close Finishes

The departure of Shakib Al Hasan in the 30th over of a crucial ODI left Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah Riyad to shoulder the responsibility of the chase. What followed was a masterclass in middle-order batting, as the duo orchestrated an 87-run partnership that seemed poised to script yet another memorable victory for Bangladesh. 

This stand was not about Tamim Iqbal’s uncharacteristic caution or Shakib’s calculated restraint. Instead, it was a display of tactical acceleration—relying on deft touches, strike rotation, and occasional boundaries to keep the asking rate within reach. With every run, the West Indian bowlers appeared increasingly bereft of ideas, while their captain, Jason Holder, looked on helplessly as the match slipped away. 

Bangladesh’s asking rate escalated as the innings progressed, but the confidence and poise of Mushfiqur and Mahmudullah made it feel like the game was theirs to lose. And lose it they did, in a heart-stopping finale that epitomized Bangladesh’s recurring struggles in close encounters. 

The Turning Point: A Run-Out and a Risk

Mahmudullah’s untimely run-out brought Sabbir Rahman to the crease. Together with Mushfiqur, Sabbir began to complement the latter’s aggression. The chase seemed firmly under control until Keemo Paul dismissed Sabbir in the final ball of the penultimate over, leaving Bangladesh needing eight runs from the last six balls. 

With Mushfiqur Rahim—the team’s most experienced finisher—still at the crease, the equation seemed manageable. Memories of his match-winning exploits against India in the Asia Cup six years ago resurfaced, filling fans with cautious optimism. But cricket, as always, had its own script. 

The Final Over: A Moment of Misjudgment

Jason Holder’s first delivery of the last over was a full toss—an error that should have been punished with clinical precision. Instead, Mushfiqur opted for a glory stroke, aiming to seal the match with flair. The ball soared towards the midwicket region, his favoured area, but instead of crossing the boundary, it found the fielder’s hands. 

It was a soft dismissal, one that even Holder seemed surprised by. Mushfiqur’s strength—his ability to target the midwicket region—had once again proved to be his undoing. The West Indies clung to a narrow three-run victory, and Bangladesh was left to rue yet another lost opportunity. 

A Pattern of Heartbreaks

The critics and fans were unforgiving, citing a litany of similar instances where Mushfiqur had faltered under pressure. Captain Tamim Iqbal’s post-match remarks captured the collective frustration: 

“It is not the first time we have lost a close encounter. It has happened quite a few times in the recent past. It is very disappointing that we are not learning from our mistakes. We should have finished the game easily, but unfortunately, we could not.”

At the centre of this recurring narrative is Mushfiqur Rahim—a player celebrated for his skill but increasingly scrutinized for his decision-making in critical moments. 

The Missing Ingredient: Planning Under Pressure

Why does Bangladesh, and Mushfiqur in particular, crumble under pressure so often? The answer lies not merely in temperament but in the art of planning. 

Michael Bevan, one of the greatest finishers in ODI history, once attributed his success to meticulous planning and disciplined execution. Bevan emphasized the importance of understanding the match situation, adapting to the conditions, and making calculated decisions. 

“Even when it looks hard to score, it’s about being disciplined and carrying out your plans. One of my goals was to be there till the end. If I was there till the end, we would win more matches than we lost.” 

The operative word here is “planning.” Bevan’s approach was not about heroics but about calculated strategy—choosing the right ball, playing to his strengths, and remaining adaptable to the game’s evolving demands. 

Where Mushfiqur Fell Short

In the final moments of this match, Mushfiqur appeared to abandon the very discipline that had brought him so close to victory. Rather than continuing the steady accumulation of runs, he opted for a high-risk shot that defied the situational demands. 

Perhaps he believed the hard work was already done, that no further planning was required. But cricket is an unforgiving game, where a single misjudgment can undo an innings of brilliance. Mushfiqur’s decision to go for the glory stroke, rather than sticking to his established rhythm, cost Bangladesh the match. 

Lessons for the Future

This loss is not just a missed opportunity but a stark reminder of the importance of mental fortitude and strategic clarity in high-pressure situations. For Mushfiqur, it is an opportunity to introspect and refine his approach. For Bangladesh as a team, it underscores the need to cultivate a culture of adaptability and resilience. 

The path to becoming a consistent finisher, as Bevan demonstrated, lies in the ability to stay calm, assess the situation, and make the right decisions—even when the stakes are at their highest. Bangladesh’s journey in cricket has been marked by flashes of brilliance and moments of heartbreak. The challenge now is to learn from these experiences and ensure that close finishes become victories, not regrets. 

In the end, cricket is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. And for Mushfiqur Rahim, the next step in his evolution as a player lies in mastering the mind.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

A Crisis of Commitment and a Flicker of Redemption: Bangladesh Cricket’s Mixed Fortunes

 

A few days ago, the President of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) dropped a bombshell that sent shockwaves through the cricketing fraternity. In a candid interaction with the press, Nazmul Hassan alleged that senior players Shakib Al Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman were reluctant to play Test cricket. The revelation stunned reporters and reverberated across the nation, leaving fans and critics grappling with disbelief. 

In a democratic world, personal choice is sacrosanct. Yet, for professional athletes, individual preferences often collide with the greater responsibility of representing their nation. Shakib and Mustafiz, under their exceptional talent, have become icons of Bangladesh cricket. However, it is Test cricket—the sport’s most demanding and prestigious format—that has elevated Shakib to global stardom and holds the potential to do the same for Mustafiz. 

The timing of Nazmul Hassan’s statement could not have been worse. Coming on the heels of a humiliating Test series defeat against the West Indies, it further fueled doubts about the commitment and temperament of Bangladesh’s senior players. The Tigers’ spineless performances raised uncomfortable questions about their dedication to the format. While defeats are part of the game, losing without a semblance of fight is a bitter pill for fans to swallow. 

A Ray of Hope in Guyana

Just as the shadow of doubt began to engulf Bangladesh cricket, the team produced a morale-boosting victory in Guyana. The triumph, though not flawless, temporarily lifted the gloom and provided a glimmer of hope for the Tigers’ faithful. 

At the toss, West Indies captain Jason Holder expressed little concern over losing, confident that the dampness in the pitch would dissipate as the match progressed. Bangladesh’s innings began with Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan adopting a cautious approach, their grafting partnership laying a foundation that begged for acceleration in the latter stages. 

However, it was Mushfiqur Rahim who rose to the occasion, crafting a masterful innings that demonstrated the ideal approach to batting on the surface. His knock was a blueprint of controlled aggression, transforming a middling total into a competitive one. Bangladesh finished just shy of 250—a score that, while not imposing, was defendable with disciplined bowling and fielding. 

The Bowlers Step Up

Defending the target, Bangladesh’s bowlers faced the daunting task of containing a West Indies batting lineup known for its explosive power. Mashrafe Bin Mortaza led from the front, exploiting the home side’s lack of intent with a display of guile and precision. 

While Mashrafe excelled, the rest of the attack delivered mixed performances. Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Mosaddek Hossain provided valuable support, but Shakib and Rubel Hossain struggled with their lengths, and Mustafizur Rahman appeared erratic in his early spells before regaining control towards the end. 

The West Indies’ batting effort was uncharacteristically subdued, resembling a rudderless ship adrift at sea. Their top and middle order faltered, failing to replicate the heroics of earlier matches on the same pitch. This lacklustre display ultimately handed Bangladesh a much-needed victory. 

A Fragile Redemption

While the win in Guyana offers a respite, it does not erase the underlying issues plaguing Bangladesh cricket. The doubts about the team’s consistency and commitment remain. Success, as the adage goes, has many fathers, but failure is an orphan. The Tigers’ ability to sustain the momentum from this victory will determine whether this was a turning point or merely a fleeting moment of relief. 

Bangladesh cricket stands at a crossroads. The reluctance of senior players to commit to Test cricket is a symptom of deeper structural and cultural challenges. The BCB must address these issues with urgency, fostering an environment that values Test cricket as the ultimate stage for greatness. 

For the players, especially Shakib and Mustafiz, the challenge is twofold: to honour their immense talent and to recognize the responsibility that comes with representing a Test-playing nation. The Guyana victory is a reminder that redemption is possible, but it requires sustained effort, unity, and a collective will to rise above mediocrity. 

The Tigers’ journey continues, fraught with challenges but not devoid of hope. The road ahead demands introspection, resilience, and a renewed commitment to the game’s highest ideals. Only then can Bangladesh cricket truly roar.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

The Flicker of Hope in Bangladesh’s Pace-Bowling Landscape: Abu Jayed’s Emergence

For the better part of the last fifteen years, the artistry of a batsman’s willow—be it a silken cover drive, a disdainful pull, or an audacious cut—has dominated the imagination of cricket fans. The focus has shifted from the menacing precision of bowlers like Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Curtly Ambrose, or Glenn McGrath to the elegance of stroke-makers, leaving the bowlers toil in the shadows. In Bangladesh, this shift has been even more pronounced, with the nation’s cricketing identity tethered to its spinners and sporadic batting brilliance. 

The emergence of a genuine Test-quality pace bowler in Bangladesh has always been a rare event, almost akin to finding an oasis in a desert. The tale of pace bowling in the country has largely been one of fleeting brilliance. Mashrafe Mortaza, the trailblazer, was undone by injuries. Mustafizur Rahman, the prodigy, dazzled briefly but now struggles to reclaim his magic in the longest format. The likes of Shahadat Hossain, Mohammad Shahid, Rubel Hossain, Al-Amin Hossain, and Taskin Ahmed have come and gone, leaving behind a trail of unfulfilled promises. 

In this barren landscape, the emergence of Abu Jayed Chowdhury Rahi offers a glimmer of hope. Yet, with that hope comes an undercurrent of skepticism, born from years of watching promising talents fade away. 

A Long and Arduous Journey

Jayed’s rise to the national Test side was anything but meteoric. His first-class debut in 2010 marked the beginning of a decade-long grind on the unforgiving, batting-friendly pitches of Bangladesh. While his peers like Taskin Ahmed rose swiftly through the ranks, Jayed remained on the periphery, honing his craft in obscurity. 

It wasn’t until 2018, after 1589.4 overs in 109 innings and 64 first-class matches, that Jayed finally earned his Test cap. Even then, his selection owed as much to Mustafizur Rahman’s injury as to his own perseverance. Luck, as they say, often plays a crucial role in cricket, and Jayed’s opportunity came wrapped in adversity. 

Impressions in Antigua and Jamaica

Jayed’s baptism into Test cricket came under the blazing sun of Antigua, where Bangladesh’s first innings imploded for a mere 43 runs within an hour. It was a bitter initiation, but Jayed showed resilience. On a dry wicket offering little assistance to pacers, his experience on Bangladesh’s flat domestic tracks came to the fore. 

From the outset, Jayed impressed with his ability to extract movement and consistently bowl a probing line around the fourth and fifth stump. His hallmark delivery—a full-length ball that swung back into the batsman—was a rare sight among Bangladeshi pacers, reminiscent of the skills honed by the greats of the craft. 

In the second Test at Jamaica, Jayed stepped up another gear. Bowling with increased pace and generating contrast swing, he troubled the West Indian batsmen throughout. His seven wickets in two matches at an average of 20.42 were a testament to his potential. Yet, one couldn’t help but wonder how much more impactful he might have been had he been utilized more effectively by his captain on the opening day of the second Test. 

The Legacy of Broken Promises

While Jayed’s performances have been encouraging, the history of Bangladesh cricket tempers expectations. Promising pacers have often been mishandled, their careers derailed by injuries, poor management, or a lack of support. The departures of influential figures like Chandika Hathurusingha and Heath Streak have left a void in nurturing and guiding young talents. 

Jayed’s journey has already shown his resilience, but sustaining success in Test cricket requires more than individual grit. The Bangladesh Cricket Board must shield him from the toxic elements of the cricketing ecosystem—hype, mismanagement, and the temptation to prioritize shorter formats over the rigours of Test cricket. 

A Glimpse into the Future

Jayed’s story is still in its early chapters, but it offers a blueprint for what Bangladesh can achieve with proper planning and investment in pace bowling. His ability to move the ball both ways, maintain a disciplined line, and adapt to different conditions marks him as a rare talent in the country’s cricketing history. 

However, potential is merely the starting point. Jayed’s challenge will be to stay grounded, continue refining his craft, and avoid the pitfalls that have claimed so many of his predecessors. Equally, the Bangladesh cricketing hierarchy must commit to a long-term vision for pace bowling, providing Jayed and others like him with the resources, mentorship, and opportunities they need to thrive. 

In Abu Jayed, Bangladesh has a flicker of hope. Whether that flicker turns into a lasting flame will depend on the collective will of the player, the management, and the cricketing fraternity. For now, Jayed stands as a reminder that amid the dominance of willow-wielders, the art of pace bowling still has a place in the game—and in the hearts of those who cherish its timeless allure. 

Thank You

Faisal Caesar  

Wind and Steel: The Making, Myth, and Merciless Market of Kylian Mbappé

The Origins: A Mirage of Concrete and Dreams

Beneath the grey façades of Bondy, where poverty and asphalt conspire to teach children resilience or break them entirely, the first heartbeat of Kylian Mbappé’s myth began. The thud of a ball against cracked courtyards was his lullaby, the broken streets his training ground, the harsh lines of discrimination and neglect forming invisible fences he would later vault with preternatural ease.

His father Wilfrid, a Cameroonian exile and local coach, and his mother Fayza, a fierce Kabyle handball player, carved ambition from hardship. Theirs was a household steeped in the discipline of sport—a fragile fortress against the rot of the banlieues. Kylian, even as a boy, shimmered with disquieting promise, a spirit too mercurial for the low expectations of his environment.

Bondy may be France’s poorest arrondissement, scarred by unemployment and still haunted by the ghost of riots. Yet it dared to birth a prodigy. And in doing so, lent itself to a new narrative: that these marginalised banlieues could be found not only on France’s police blotters, but also in her moments of euphoric triumph.

The Child as Phenomenon: Between Gift and Expectation

Antonio Riccardi, his early coach, confessed to witnessing something almost unnatural. “At six, he was already beyond our scale.” Mbappé dribbled as if he were unscrewing the laws of balance and gravity, ran as if hunted by fate itself. In Paris, talent was common currency, yet even there, he was what they called a crack—a fracture in the normal order of things.

But football’s cruel market devours the very magic it buys. Mbappé was not yet worth €150 million, but the promise of him was. And so began the ceremony of confusion: a teenager transfigured into a global asset, his private growth shackled to public expectation. He played well and then simply okay—never badly, for genius does not stoop so low—but always under the lurid glare of a valuation no child should have to carry.

In Monaco, he displaced records once owned by Thierry Henry. In Paris, he displaced the innocence of youth. He studied Cavani’s tireless labour and Neymar’s narcotic flamboyance, and also absorbed their lesser angels—jealousy, exhibitionism. This, too, was an education. Football offers no gentle syllabus.

The Revolution in Russia: Wind and Steel

In Russia, during the World Cup, he burst from scrutiny into legend. Against Argentina he did not so much play as erupt, a cyclone of wind and steel that bent defenders and narrative alike. It was a match where Messi’s twilight met Mbappé’s dawn. He chose precisely the day football’s old sovereigns—Messi and Ronaldo—were banished, to begin his own coup.

It is a rare sight: a player walk onto the pitch as an expectation and walk off it as an epoch. Like Ronaldo Nazário, he revealed a terrifying precision at speed—his runs not so much attacking space as detonating it.

Yet the modern game, enslaved by highlight reels, craves impact over poetry. There is the danger that Mbappé might settle for being a generator of moments rather than a weaver of the full tapestry—producing plays, not truly playing. But with Griezmann at his side whispering lessons in tactical fidelity and collective sense, there is hope he will grow into a player who does not merely seize upon the game, but understands how to let the game come to him.

A Nation’s Projection: France and Its Mirror

Football in France has always been more than a game; it is an unwieldy metaphor forced to carry the weight of the Republic’s contradictions. From Zidane’s “Black-Blanc-Beur” team of 1998, burdened with solving racism by merely existing, to the vile murmurs that black and Arab players threatened the sanctity of national identity, the sport has swung between unifying myth and xenophobic trigger.

Now Mbappé, son of Cameroon and Algeria, the banlieue’s own, stands crowned by a grateful nation. Children in Bondy chant for him to be president. Banners unfurl on drab town halls: “Merci Kylian.” In these moments, France sees not a suburb stained by poverty and riot, but a crucible of brilliance.

Yet it is fragile progress. Football is a drug that assaults reason, promising catharsis without solution. The same crowds that wave tricolours today might jeer at new migrants tomorrow. To confuse Mbappé’s brilliance with France’s absolution is to learn nothing from history.

The Price of Stardom: A Cautionary Ode

Mbappé’s market worth doubled the very night he proved he was worth the first fortune. Such is the cruel algebra of modern sport. Football remains a serious thing surrounded by fools—executives, agents, even supporters—eager to inflate the boy beyond the man.

Still, Mbappé has so far met these perils with rare maturity. He donated his World Cup earnings to charity. He speaks of parents who are his compass, of a Bondy that grounds him. There lies the thin hope that he may continue not only to outrun defenders but also the poisons of his profession: vanity, isolation, and the ceaseless need to justify his price.

Epilogue: The Kingdom Ahead

So football waits, breath held, to see if he will become a mere collector of moments or an architect of eras. If he can resist football’s narcotic lure to chase spectacle at the expense of substance, then perhaps he will soothe the future ache we will feel when Messi and Ronaldo finally fade into myth.

In the meantime, Bondy thumps with new rhythms—children kicking balls against concrete, daring to dream not of escape from their suburb, but of becoming its next legend. The story of Kylian Mbappé is not yet complete. And that is its most tantalising gift.

Thank You 

Faisal Caesar 

FIFA World Cup 2018: The French Triumph in Russia

France’s 4-2 victory over Croatia in the 2018 World Cup final was a fitting conclusion to a tournament characterized by pragmatism, tactical discipline, and moments of brilliance. The final itself, though high-scoring, was not a showcase of expansive, free-flowing football but rather a battle of structure and execution. Goals stemmed largely from set-pieces rather than open play, reflecting a broader trend throughout the tournament.

While Croatia enjoyed first-half dominance due to their intelligent pressing and midfield control, France’s efficiency in transitions and set-piece prowess ultimately secured their victory. Luka Modric, the tournament’s Golden Ball winner, orchestrated Croatia’s attacks with supreme positional awareness, frequently finding pockets of space beyond Paul Pogba’s reach. Yet, for all their ball dominance, Croatia struggled to carve out clear-cut opportunities, a testament to France’s defensive organization.

The Tactical Chess Match: Croatia’s Pressing vs. France’s Efficiency

One of the defining features of Croatia’s approach was their pressing intensity—an anomaly in a World Cup largely devoid of aggressive high pressing. Unlike club teams with ample training time, international sides often rely on compact defensive structures rather than coordinated pressing. However, Croatia disrupted this norm. Modric and Ivan Rakitic pushed high to support Mario Mandzukic, while wide players Ante Rebic and Ivan Perisic pressed tirelessly. This strategy unsettled France early on, forcing errors from Benjamin Pavard, Raphael Varane, and N’Golo Kante, who uncharacteristically struggled under pressure.

In contrast, France’s attacking approach was built around moments rather than sustained control. Kylian Mbappe’s blistering pace was their primary weapon, particularly in transitions. Though France lacked fluid open-play sequences, their ability to capitalize on set-pieces and counterattacks proved decisive. Pogba’s precise passing released Mbappe multiple times, culminating in France’s third goal, where Pogba’s drive and vision unlocked Croatia’s defence.

The Importance of Balance and Squad Harmony

Beyond tactics, France’s success under Didier Deschamps was rooted in squad unity and disciplined pragmatism. Deschamps, who became only the third person to win the World Cup as both player and manager, prioritized harmony over individual brilliance. This philosophy had been in place since his appointment in 2012, a direct response to the chaos of France’s 2010 World Cup campaign in South Africa—a tournament marked by internal conflicts, player mutinies, and off-field scandals.

France’s disastrous 2010 campaign, led by Raymond Domenech, exposed deep fractures within the squad. The French Football Federation’s subsequent decision to overhaul team culture began with Laurent Blanc, who controversially omitted the entire 2010 squad for his first match in charge. While Blanc restored some stability, his tenure was marred by racial controversy regarding youth academy selections, reflecting broader societal tensions in France.

Deschamps inherited this fractured landscape and took decisive steps to foster unity. His most notable decision was the continued exile of Karim Benzema, despite his undeniable talent. Similarly, his squad selections prioritized cohesion over individual skill, leading to the omissions of high-profile players like Alexandre Lacazette, Anthony Martial, and Adrien Rabiot. The latter’s reaction—refusing to be on the standby list—only vindicated Deschamps’ decision.

The Evolution of Key Players: Pogba and Griezmann’s Tactical Sacrifice

Deschamps’ ability to mould a collection of stars into a cohesive unit was exemplified by the roles assigned to Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann. Pogba, often criticized at Manchester United for inconsistency, embraced a more disciplined role, sacrificing personal flair for team structure. His performances in the knockout stages, particularly in the final, demonstrated his evolution into a complete midfield general.

Griezmann, too, adapted his role for the greater good. Rather than operating purely as a goal scorer, he functioned as a deeper playmaker, facilitating transitions and linking play. His selflessness allowed Mbappe to thrive in a more advanced role, showcasing the young star’s electrifying speed and composure.

A Reflection of France’s Diversity and Identity

Much like the 1998 World Cup-winning squad, France’s 2018 team was emblematic of the nation’s multicultural identity. Seventeen of the 23 squad members were eligible to represent other nations, reinforcing the country’s footballing diversity. This echoed the ethos of “Black-Blanc-Beur” (Black-White-Arab) that defined the 1998 team’s success.

In a politically charged climate, where debates over national identity and immigration were prominent, this team symbolized unity and inclusion. Blaise Matuidi articulated this sentiment: “The diversity we have in this team is in the image of our beautiful country. We proudly represent France.”

Deschamps’ Legacy: Pragmatism Over Panache

Criticism of France’s playing style—deemed too pragmatic given their attacking talent—is not unique. Similar complaints were leveled at Italy in 2006, Spain in 2010, and Germany in 2014. Deschamps prioritized structure and balance, a formula that ultimately delivered the sport’s most prestigious prize. His philosophy aligns with France’s national motto: “Liberté, égalité, fraternité.”

Ultimately, the 2018 World Cup victory was a triumph of tactical discipline, squad unity, and moments of individual brilliance. France’s blend of pragmatism and dynamism, guided by Deschamps’ leadership, ensured they returned to the pinnacle of world football. As Benjamin Mendy put it: “We are a true family. There was an incredible feeling from the off. Thanks to everyone. Allez les Bleus!”

Thank You

Faisal Caesar