December 22, 2006

2006 in review: Bangladesh cricket

Year 2006 was a very successful year for Bangladesh Cricket as they won 18 one-day internationals, eight in a row, out of 28 games. They were just two wins behind from world champions Australia in this year's one-day success table. Bangladesh has already surpassed Zimbabwe in the ICC one day cricket rankings. It is their highest performance to-date.

Bangladesh's opening batsman Shahriar Nafees has become the fifth in the world to score 1,000 runs in 2006 and keeps the 19th position in the ICC rankings. The paceman Mashrafee Bin Mortaza (ranking 40) became the highest ODI wicket-taker in 2006 with 49 wickets. Mohammad Rafiq is the most successful bowler of Bangladesh with ranking 28.

Bangladesh is clearly on the right track with its coach Dav Whatmore preparing for the next world cup in 2007. The fans are already suggesting the possible combination of the team for the world cup.

Scotland cricketer Paul Hoffman comments on Bangladesh's chance on the coming world cup:

"On the low, skiddy wickets, they’re difficult to play. Caribbean pitches will be similar, so it would not surprise me if they cause a few upsets at the World Cup next year."

Nobody can deny the South Asia's cricket obsession. According to BBC 90% of tickets for matches involving India and Bangladesh had been sold out much ahead of the championship in March. It seems those people will have a blast.

0 comments:

Post a Comment