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-
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
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