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Mahmudullah Riyad: The last of Bangladesh’s ‘Big Five’ calls it a day

12 Mar 25

Bangladesh will face hosts Pakistan at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore tomorrow (Wednesday) in the Super Four phase after completing a remarkable comeback to keep their Asia Cup ambitions alive.

Bangladesh suffered a major setback ahead of the crucial match when their leading run-scorer in the tournament, Najmul Hossain Shanto, was ruled out due to a hamstring injury. Shanto's 89 against Sri Lanka was followed by a match-winning 104 against Afghanistan.

But Litton Das has joined the team, after making a complete recovery from the bout of fever, sparking the debate whether he should make way to the team straightway.

Bangladesh pacer Taskin Ahmed wished Shanto for his quick recovery. “Shanto’s injury is definitely a loss for our team. I wish him the best for a speedy recovery and return to the team. He batted exceptionally well in last matches. His contribution was very good. Since he is injured, I wish him a speedy recovery. I hope whoever plays in his place will make up for him.”

This will be the first ODI match between the two sides after 2019 World Cup, a match which Pakistan won by 94 runs.

Bangladesh has won four straight matches against Pakistan before to the World Cup, including a victory in the 2018 Asia Cup Super Four phase in Abu Dhabi, UAE. That was the Tigers' only win over Pakistan in the Asia Cup. Bangladesh also advanced to the Asia Cup final that year.

Against Pakistan in this competition, the Tigers experienced some terrible experiences. When they first reached the final of the Asia Cup in 2012, they defeated all of the teams in the competition except Pakistan.

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The most heartbreaking was two-run defeat in the final at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, which made the whole nations break down in tears.

Bangladesh now evolved to a strong team in ODI format, from a team of occasional flashes of brilliance.

Nonetheless, Pakistan will start as the favorite in this Asia Cup Super Four match due to home advantage and a superior bowling attack that includes one of the world's most dangerous speed trios--Shaheen Shah Afridi, Nasim Shah, and Haris Rauf.

However, pacer Taskin said on Lahore’s pitch pacers have a very small range of bowling but he has faith in their pacers too that they can restrict Pakistan in a low total.

“In fact, the bowlers have a very small margin on such wickets. There are more chances of being hit boundaries by edges. A lot of accurate balls have to be bowled with variations. Pakistan's batting is one of the best in the world. It won't be easy. But I have faith in us if we can bowl the best we can restrict in a low total.” said Taskin.

Bangladesh showed their mental strength to survive, despite being at knife-edge. Many pundits were written off them when they tasted a five-wicket defeat to Sri Lanka after a wretched batting show. Bangladesh bounced back in style and their comeback was so magical that it made net run rate calculation totally invalid.