On 19th March 2017, Bangladesh completed their 100th test on a memorable note. The ‘Tigers’ started their 100the test on the 140th anniversary of the first ever test match, on 15th March at P Sara Oval, Colombo against Sri Lanka.
Bangladesh had an outstanding start of their test journey. Playing against India at home, they became only the second team to score 400 plus run in their first test. However, while bowling they could not close the match despite being in a good position and collapsed in the second innings to give an easy win to India. This was their story for most of the next 15-16 years. The success was rare and their series of failure raised multiple questions on the timing and purpose of their test status. They lost 26 of their first 27 test matches and got their first win in their 35th test match against Zimbabwe. Finally, went on to win their first series after drawing the second test.
Till their 100th test match, they won just eight out of their 99 test matches. Only New Zealand had a poorer record who won seven matches out of their first 99 matches. But for rest 92 matches kiwis could draw 46 and lost 46 whereas Bangladesh lost 76 out of their first 99 test matches and 36 of those by an innings.
Despite many negative records, one thing which went well for Bangladesh cricket is their fan base. They have one of the most passionate fan bases in the cricketing world and always behind their team which they love and adore. For those fans, 100th of Bangladesh test was a moment for celebration and if that test match would have been played at home that would create a great atmosphere in the ground.
However, Bangladesh delivered an inspiring performance on their 100th test. There was a steady improvement of Bangladesh team in recent times driven by useful players like Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim and above all Shakib Al Hasan, one of the top all-rounders in the world.
On 15th March Bangladesh lost the toss and were sent to field. It was a good bowling performance led by the young Mustafizur Rahman to restrict Sri Lanka to 338. In their first innings, there were contributions from all corners. Shakib led with a brilliant century and seven other batsmen scored at least 24 each including 75 from Mosaddek Hossain batting at number eight on his debut test. Shakib then took four wickets in Sri Lanka’s second innings and set up a target of 191 for Bangladesh as they started their chase just before lunch of the fifth day. Tamim Iqbal, one day before his 28th Birthday, led the chase with a hard hitting 82 and captain Mushfiqur was at the crease when they completed the win and celebrated their 100th test match in style. This was their first win over Sri Lanka and they went on to beat Australia for the first time in their next test match and showed the world that Bangla cricket is on the up.
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