THE BEST OF BEN STOKES

 

Image Credit- ESPN CricInfo.

Venue- Newlands, Cape Town [2-6 January, 2016].

In December 2015, English Cricket Team toured South Africa to play 4 Tests, 5 ODIs and 2 T20 Internationals. The Visitors won the first test at Durban comfortably and now the action of the series reached Cape Town. On a batting friendly wicket English Captain Alastair Cook won the toss and elected to bat first. The English started off decently. However, they lost 3 quick wickets in between and at one stage were struggling at 223/5.  

The game was on a knife-edge and this is when Jonny Bairstow joined Ben Stokes in the middle.  It was necessary that the duo batted sensibly and took their team to a respective first innings score. However, soon they realized that in the current conditions attack would be the be the best form of defense. As a result, both of them started playing their shots. And Boy! In no time they turned the tables around. 

Ben Stokes played one of the most destructive knocks in the history of test cricket as he scored a monumental 258 of just 198 deliveries. His innings comprised of 30 boundaries and 11 sixes. He literally smoked the Proteas Bowling Attack.  There was literally no part of the ground where he did not score runs. Along with Bairstow he had a historic partnership of 399 runs. By the time Ben Stokes was dismissed the English Scorecard read 622/6. The English eventually declared at a score of 629/6 with Jonny Bairstow scoring an unbeaten 150 of 191 deliveries. 

In response the Proteas scored 627 in their first innings (Declared at 627/7). Hashim Amla played a Captain's knock of 201, whereas Temba Bavuma too scored an unbeaten 102. Apart from Amla and Bavuma, AB de Villiers (88), Faf du Plessis (86) and Chris Morris (69) too made some valuable contributions.  

At one stage in the English Second Innings it appeared that the Proteas can bowl them out and then chase the remaining total. However, Jonny Bairstow and Moeen Ali batted sensibly in the final session and the test match ended in a draw. 

To watch the knock of Ben Stokes, Click Here. 

Bangladesh Stuns Pakistan: A Historic Test Series Win

 

Image Credit- Crictoday. 

Venue- Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi [September 2024]. 

Author- Sanket Shivansh Srivastava.

In the grand theater of cricket, where legends are born and rivalries are etched into history, the latest chapter has been written in Rawalpindi. Bangladesh, the underdogs of the Test series, have achieved what many thought impossible—triumphing over Pakistan in their own backyard. This series win is more than just a result; it’s a testament to the grit, determination, and transformation of Bangladesh cricket. Let’s dive into how the Bangla Tigers roared to victory in a series that will be remembered for years to come.

A Historic Beginning

The Second match of the series kicked off in Rawalpindi, and though the first day’s play was washed out, it was clear that Bangladesh was not here merely to make up the numbers. The visiting side, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, showcased their intent right from the get-go. Choosing to bowl first after winning the toss was a bold decision, but one that set the tone for their performance.

Bangladesh's Bowling Brilliance

The first innings of the Test saw Bangladesh’s bowlers take center stage. Mehidy Hasan Miraz was the star of the show, claiming a remarkable five-wicket haul that dismantled Pakistan for 274 runs. His performance was a blend of skill and perseverance, as he exploited the conditions to perfection. With support from the young pacer Hasan Mahmud and the promising Nahid Rana, Bangladesh's bowlers set up the series with a significant advantage.

However, cricket is a game of ebbs and flows, and the real test was how Bangladesh would respond to their own innings. The early signs were not encouraging. At 26/6, the situation seemed dire. But this is where the heart of a champion side comes into play.

Litton Das and Mehidy Hasan: The Rescue Act

Enter Litton Das and Mehidy Hasan Miraz—two players who would etch their names into the annals of Bangladesh cricket history. With resilience and skill, Litton Das crafted a majestic century, while Mehidy Hasan contributed crucial runs. Their partnership was nothing short of a lifeline for Bangladesh. Litton’s century ensured that Bangladesh’s lead was minimal, leaving Pakistan with a slender advantage.

Their performance was a showcase of mental fortitude and technical prowess. The ability to withstand the pressure and shift momentum was a key factor in the series’ outcome. Bangladesh’s first innings showed that they were not just participating in the series; they were determined to win it.

Pakistan’s Second-Innings Struggles

As the match moved into its second phase, Pakistan’s response was under scrutiny. The home side’s batting fell short once again, managing only 172 runs in their second innings. The Pakistani batsmen found themselves at the mercy of Bangladesh’s bowlers. Nahid Rana and Hasan Mahmud continued their impressive performances, claiming nine wickets between them.

The collapse was a significant setback for Pakistan, who were unable to capitalize on their first-innings advantage. Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling and sharp fielding ensured that Pakistan’s batting lineup never gained the momentum needed for a comeback.

The Chase: Bangladesh's Moment of Glory

Chasing 185 runs to win, Zakir Hasan, Shadman Islam, and the experienced duo of Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim guided Bangladesh to victory with a mixture of aggression and calm.

The partnership between Shakib and Mushfiqur was particularly noteworthy. They ensured that the chase was completed with a sense of control, despite the occasional hiccup. When Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim stood victorious, the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium was awash with celebration. Bangladesh had done the unthinkable—they had beaten Pakistan in their own conditions, winning the series 2-0.

A Glorious Victory and What It Means

This series victory is not just a feather in the cap for Bangladesh but a statement to the cricketing world. It signifies a shift in the dynamics of Asian cricket, with Bangladesh emerging as a formidable force. The win is a result of meticulous planning, team effort, and the unwavering belief of the players and management.

Najmul Hossain Shanto, the captain, summed it up perfectly: “This win means a lot. We were looking to win here and are very happy with the way everyone has done their job.” His words echoed the sentiments of a team that had worked hard to reach this pinnacle.

The series also highlighted areas of concern for Pakistan. The inability to convert strong positions into victories, inconsistent performances, and a lack of effective strategies were evident. The series serves as a wake-up call for Pakistani cricket, emphasizing the need for introspection and improvement.

The winning moment: Old heads Shakib and Mushfiqur took Bangladesh over the line. © AFP

Conclusion: A New Dawn for Bangladesh

In conclusion, Bangladesh’s historic Test series win over Pakistan is a story of determination, skill, and strategic brilliance. The victory has not only elevated Bangladesh's status in international cricket but also serves as an inspiration for other teams. As the celebrations continue, one thing is clear: Bangladesh has arrived on the global cricket stage with a roar that will be heard for years to come.

This series will be remembered as a turning point in Bangladesh cricket, a testament to their growth and potential. For now, as the Bangladeshi players revel in their achievement, cricket fans around the world can only marvel at the remarkable journey of the Bangla Tigers.

This post was first posted here. 

A DAY TO REMEMBER

 

Image Credit- ESPN CricInfo.

Venue- County Ground, Northampton [31st May 1999].

Pakistan was facing Bangladesh in the Group Stage of the 1999 ICC Cricket World Cup. At this point, Bangladesh was still several months away from achieving Test status and was struggling to make a mark in international cricket as newcomers to the World Cup. Despite their enthusiasm and fighting spirit, a win against a major team had eluded them for 13 years. Between 1986 and May 31, 1999, Bangladesh played 34 One-Day Internationals and lost 32 of those matches. Their sole victories had been against Kenya in 1996 and Scotland just a week earlier. However, in case of Pakistan things were completely different. In the six games leading up to their 1999 World Cup match against Pakistan, Pakistan had secured wins by big margins and that too big sides. Given the strength of the Pakistani team, featuring stars like Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Saeed Anwar, Saqlain Mushtaq, and Ijaz Ahmed, a win for the debutant Bangladesh team seemed highly unlikely. Yet, this match became one of the most surprising upsets in World Cup history.

The Nottingham match attracted a large crowd, typical for games involving subcontinental teams during the tournament. While Pakistan had already progressed to the Super Six stage undefeated, Bangladesh's elimination was a certainty. Though the outcome had little impact on the tournament for either side, it was pivotal for Bangladesh's future in cricket. Batting first, Bangladesh posted a respectable 223/9, thanks in part to a 68-run opening stand between Mehrab Hossain and Shahriar Hossain—the first fifty partnership Bangladesh had ever achieved against Pakistan in ODIs. Despite losing both openers to Saqlain Mushtaq (who ended with five wickets), Akram Khan and Aminul Islam added 50 runs for the third wicket, and the team managed to accumulate crucial runs to reach 223.

As Bangladesh began their bowling innings, excitement mounted. Khaled Mahmud, with his distinctive medium pace, caused Pakistan significant trouble, reducing them to 42/5 by the 13th over. Inzamam-ul-Haq contributed to the chaotic scoreline with another unusual run-out, this time involving Saeed Anwar. Bangladeshi fans, many dressed in tiger costumes and waving tiger toys, were overjoyed. Despite a determined partnership between Azhar Mahmood and Wasim Akram, Bangladesh’s bowlers and fielders remained steady. Pakistan, known for occasional dramatic collapses, faltered again, with three runouts, including one involving Saqlain Mushtaq, leading to the crowd storming the field before the third umpire’s decision was finalized.

Unfortunately, the match has been surrounded by suspicion since then, with some alleging it was fixed to help Bangladesh achieve Test status. However, despite the controversy, the win was a landmark achievement for Bangladesh. The streets were alive with celebrations, and the players were celebrated as national heroes. 

Twenty-Five Years later, they became the second team after England who whitewashed Pakistan in their own backyard in a Test Series.  

To watch the Highlights of that ODI, Click Here. 

REFERENCES- 

1. World Cup moments: When underdogs Bangladesh stunned Pakistan in 1999 for their first major win (scroll.in)

2. World Cup Highlights: Bangladesh shocks Pakistan in 1999 edition – Firstpost

3. ICC World Cup 1999: When Bangladeshi tigers roared and devoured Pakistan - Cricket Country

A MATCH TO REMEMBER

 

Image Credit- ESPN CricInfo.

Venue- Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne [February 7-11, 1981].

In the Australian Summer of 1980-81, Indian Cricket Team toured Australia to play a Triangular Series with Australia and New Zealand and also a 3 Match Test Series against the mighty Australians. The Indians failed to reach the final of the Triangular Series and were also trailing 0-1 at the end of 2 tests. As a result, it was a must win game for them in Melbourne. 

In this do or die game, Australian Captain Greg Chappell won the toss and decided to field first. Riding upon Gundappa Viswanath's 114, Indians ended up scoring 237 in their first innings. Apart from Viswanath, no other Indians Batsman was able to cross the 50 runs mark. For Aussies, Dennis Lillee and Len Pascoe picked up 4 and 3 wickets respectively.

In response the Aussies posted mammoth 419 in their first innings. Allan Border scored a wonderful 124, whereas Captain Greg Chappell and Doug Walters too scored gritty half-centuries. The Indians were 182 runs behind the Aussie total. It appeared that they would lose one more test. However, this is when the Indian Top-Order came into the party. Sunil Gavaskar and Chetan Chauhan scored solid half-centuries on the top with the middle order too playing their part. Due to the valuable contributions of every Indians Batsmen, the Visitors were able to score 324 in their second innings.  

The Aussies needed 143 runs to win the test. It was not a big total to chase. However, the Indians came from behind and bowled Australia out for just 83 in their second innings. Kapil Dev picked up 5 crucial wickets as the Indians won the game by 59 runs. 

The Match was won. The Series was Levelled.

To watch the spell of Kapil Dev, Click Here. 

THE BEST OF NAWAB

 

Image Credit- ESPN Cricinfo.

Venue- M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai [26-30 March, 2008].

In the Summer of 2008, South African Cricket Team toured India to play 3 Test Matches. The First Test of the Series was scheduled in Chennai, and everyone knew it was going to be a tough game. Afterall Chennai in the month of March experiences a very hot weather which in turn can cause dehydration to both players and the umpires. So, everyone was prepared for the upcoming challenge. 

On a bright sunny day, South African Captain Graeme Smith won the toss and elected to bat first. It turned out to be marvelous decision as the Proteas ended up scoring 540 in their first innings. Hashim Amla was the star of the inning as he scored an incredible 159 of 262 deliveries. Apart from Amla, McKenzie, Captain Smith and Boucher too scored magnificent half-centuries as Indians toiled for nearly 2 days. As, a result when Indians came out to bat it was necessary on their part that they bat long, not because they have to come close to the Proteas total, but because they need to give some time for their bowlers to rest and rejuvenate.

However, what we saw next was something incredible. Virender Sehwag scored his second triple hundred in one of the hottest days of the Indian Summer.  Sehwag scored a massive 319 of just 304 deliveries. His innings comprised of 42 boundaries and 5 sixes. It is interesting to note that in front of the lethal South-African Bowling he batted with a Strike Rate of 104.93. This was truly an incredible knock by the Nawab of Najafgarh. Apart from him, Rahul Dravid too scored a gritty 111 of 291 balls as Indians ended up scoring 627 in their first innings. 

It was quite evident that the match will end in a draw and that is what happened. However, the knock of Virender Sehwag will be remembered for the ages.   

To watch the knock of Virender Sehwag, Click Here. 

ATTACK IS THE BEST FORM OF DEFENCE

 

Image Credit- ESPN CricInfo.

Venue- Galle International Stadium, Galle [July 31- August 4, 2008].

In July 2008, Indian Cricket Team toured Sri Lanka to play 3 Tests and 5 ODIs. The first test in Colombo turned out one-sided game as the Hosts crushed Visitors by an innings and 239 runs. On a pitch where the Sri Lankans pulled up 600 in an innings, Indians were struggling like anything. The duo of Murali and Mendis literally made a mess of the Indian Batting Line-Up. As a result, when the two sides met again in Galle, Indians were under enormous pressure. It was important for them to find a solution to the Sri Lankan Spin Attack or else the series will be lost. 

In a must win game Indian Captain Anil Kumble won the toss and elected to bat first. And Boy! What happened next was something truly unbelievable. Virender Sehwag played one of the finest knocks of his international cricketing career. The Nawab of Najafgarh just blew away the Sri Lankan bowling attack as he scored an unbeaten 201 of just 231 deliveries. His innings comprised of 22 boundaries and 4 sixes. Be it spin or pace, Sehwag pounced upon everyone. It is pertinent to note that on a pitch where every Indian Batsman struggled, Sehwag looked comfortable. Due to his heroics, India was able to post a competitive total of 329 in their first innings. For the Lankans, Mendis picked up 6 wickets in the first innings. 

In response the Sri Lankans scored 292 in their first innings with Mahela Jayawardene being their highest run getter (86). Apart from Mahela, Warnapura and Sangakkara too scored gritty half-centuries. For Indians Harbhajan Singh picked up 5, whereas Kumble picked up 3 wickets respectively. The game was on a knife-edge as Indians had a narrow lead of just 37 runs. 

However, in the second innings every Indian Batsmen contributed something or the other as the Visitors ended up scoring 269 in their second innings. Gambhir and Sehwag scored magnificent 50s as Indians set a target of 307 for the Lankans. It was not going to be an easy task, and the Indian Bowling Attack made sure that the game ends their way. The Sri Lankans were bowled out for just 136 in their second innings. The Spin duo of Harbhajan and Kumble picked up 4 and 2 wickets respectively and just ripped away the Sri Lankan Batting Attack. Apart from them Ishant Sharma too picked up 3 wickets as the Visitors crushed the Hosts by 170 runs. 

 The Series was levelled 1-1. Unfortunately, the Visitors failed to carry the momentum to the next match as the Lankans ended up winning both the match and the series. However, despite the series loss, the knock of Virender Sehwag will forever be remembered by Cricket Fans around the Globe.  

To watch that magnificent knock of Virender Sehwag, Click Here. 

THE DEMOLITION

Image Credit- ESPN CricInfo.

Venue- Headingley Cricket Ground, Leeds [July 1, 2006].

In the English Summer of 2006, dramatically and brutally, the Sri Lankan Cricket Team completed their 5-0 thumping of England's underperforming one-day team. Even though England had hit their highest score of the series (321/7) while batting first, the Sri Lankans were on such a high roll that this ordinarily formidable total offered little concern. Having won the toss in the final ODI, England chose to bat first and appeared to be building a big lead thanks to a century from Marcus Trescothick. Vikram Solanki and Alastair Cook too had scores in the 40s, and at the midway point, 321/7 looked like a manageable total.

But Sanath Jayasuriya and Upul Tharanga swiftly dashed any hopes that the 5-0 rout would be avoided, as they both went into a bowling attack, they knew had already seen its confidence eroded from the series' earlier games. The Sri Lankan reply scored an incredible 133 runs in the first ten overs. In a hopeless attempt to stop the run scoring, Andrew Strauss kept switching up his bowling attack, even using Jamie Dalrymple's spin as early as the eighth over. Nevertheless, Jayasuriya and Tharanga were unstoppable; even though their scoring rates somewhat decreased when fielding restrictions were removed, they carried on with their merrymaking and amassed an incredible 286 partnership, which was broken in the 32nd over, meaning that just 36 more runs were needed to win. In 72 balls, Jayasuriya reached his century, while Tharanga reached his in 82. With the score at 286/1, Dalrymple caught and bowled Tharanga for 109. Jayasuriya then went 4 balls later for an incredible 152 off just 99 balls.

With just 17 overs remaining, Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene managed to score the final 33 runs, and the victory was soon secured. With 12.3 overs remaining, the target of 322 was chased down, completing the whitewash.

To watch the highlights of that Incredible Partnership, Click Here. 

THE HAMMERING

 

Image Credit - ESPN CricInfo. 

Venue- WACA Ground, Perth [16-19 December 2004].

In the Australian Summer of 2004, Pakistani Cricket Team toured Australia to play 3 Test Matches along with a Triangular ODI Series. The first test of the series was scheduled in WACA. A venue which is a graveyard for all the visiting teams. So, it was not going to be an easy task for the visitors to breach this fortress.  On a bright sunny day Pakistani Captain Inzamam-ul-Haq won the toss and elected to field first. And Boy! What happened in the next 2 hours was literally unbelievable. The duo of Akhtar and Sami reduced Australia to 78/5 in 27 overs. It appeared that the Hosts will be bowled out soon and the fortress will be breached. However, this is when Adam Gilchrist arrived on the crease who along with Langer stitched a brilliant partnership of 152 runs. The duo soaked the pressure and turned the tables around. Justin Langer was the star of the show as he scored a gritty 191 in such an adverse situation. Adam Gilchrist too scored a quickfire 69 as the Aussies posted 381 in their first innings.  For Pakistanis Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Sami picked up 5 and 3 wickets respectively.

In response the Pakistanis were bowled out for just 179 runs in their first innings. It is pertinent to note that no Pakistani Batsman was able to cross the 50 runs mark. It was such a horrible display on their part.  For Aussies, Kasprowicz picked up 5 whereas Shane Warne picked up 3 wickets respectively.  The Hosts had a lead of 202 runs, but instead of enforcing a follow-on they came out to bat.

Interestingly in the first innings there was some fight put on by the Pakistanis, however in the second innings they just surrendered themselves before the Hosts. The Aussies declared at a score of 361/5 in their second innings which implied that the Pakistanis needed 564 runs to win the test match. Damien Martyn scored a wonderful hundred, whereas Langer (97) and Ponting (98) missed their respective tons by the barest of margins. 

Everyone knew that the Visitors had no chance in the game. The question which arose now was will they put a fight or will they go down without a fight. It turned out that they went down without a fight as they were bowled out for just 72 runs in their second innings. It took Aussies just 32 overs to wrap the Pakistani second innings. Glenn McGrath blew the Pakistani batting line-up with a figure of 8-24. 

The Hosts won the game by 491 runs. To be honest it was not a defeat, it was a hammering. 

To watch the knock of Langer, Click Here.

To watch the spell of Glenn McGrath, Click Here.