5 players who helped Bangladesh turn around their ODI fortunes

Bangladeshi tigers are roaring nowYou can call them “minnows”, but now they are the giant killers. The cricketing year 2015 is not just the year that will be forever remembered for the 11th ICC Cricket World Cup but also one that tells you the story of the epic dominance of Bangladeshi cricket.From a historical World Cup quarter-final appearance to back to back ODI series winning against the top cricketing nations, Bangladesh have confirmed their rise in international Cricket. Their devastating progress in international cricket is still active as they have managed to win 12 out of their 14 matches at their home by defeating Zimbabwe, Pakistan, India and South Africa.In addition to that they also hammered England during the World Cup 2015 which eventually restricted England for qualifying the quarterfinals. As it is said, “Fortune favours the brave”; all the hard work finally paid off and now they are finally being selected to play the Champions Trophy 2017.Bangladesh have achieved some landmark feats by defeating the two semi-finalists of 2015 World Cup India and South Africa. They are currently ranked at the 7th position in the latest ODI rankings, just ahead of Pakistan and West Indies and are much closer to England with a margin of just 2 points.Although cricket is a team game, it’s the individuals whose contributions drive a team towards the victory. In this article, we have picked out the top five stand-out performers for Bangladesh who have displayed some splendid performances in order to change the fortune of their country.While analyzing the performances, only the performances of 2015 are taken into consideration which implies the series against Zimbabwe is omitted.So let’s have a look at the current top 5 performers of Bangladesh Cricket.

#5 Mustafizur Rahman

Mustafizur Rahman

The 19-years-old Bangladeshi left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman stunned the whole cricketing world with his sensational debut against India by claiming the top 5 Indian wickets. His show continued on the next match as he went an extra mile to grab his career-best bowling performance of 6 for 43.

With this performance, he became only the second bowler after Brian Vitori to take five-wicket hauls in his first two ODIs. His best weapons are the slower off-cutters which also troubled the batsmen like Virat Kohli, Hashim Amla.

Although he had no contribution in the series against Pakistan, but his bowling performances played a vital role in the series against India and South Africa. However, his controversial collision against Indian captain MS Dhoni during the first ODI in Mirpur raised several questions on his sportsman spirit. After the match, he admitted his fault and he was fined 50% of his match fee.

But looking at his current bowling statistics, one can simply say that he is one of the best emerging cricketers of 2015.

Bowling Performance in 2015

Matches: 6

Innings: 6

Overs: 53.2

Wickets: 18

Average: 12.65

Econ: 4.25

BBI: 6/43

#4 Tamim Iqbal

Tamim Iqbal

The left-handed Bangladeshi opener, Tamim Iqbal is the highest run getter in Bangladesh’s cricket history. Considered by many as the most polished Bangladeshi batsman, Tamim’s current form against the big teams has led Bangladesh to many victories.

No one can forget his brilliant batting display against Pakistan at Mirpur during the first game of the three-match ODI series. The match which created a lot of attention due to the comeback of Saeed Ajmal into the international circuit was eventually turned out to be the game for Bangladeshi Batsmen.

Tamim scored a flawless 132 off 135 balls and recorded the highest ever partnership in Bangladesh history with Mushifiqur Rahim. Both the players added 178 runs for the 3rd wicket. With 150 ODI matches and more than 4500 runs, Tamim has established himself as one of the most promising batting talents in ODI cricket.

Batting Performance in 2015

Matches: 15

Innings: 15

Runs: 610

Average: 46.92

Strike Rate: 84.95

HS: 132

#3 Mushifiqur Rahim

Mushifiqur Rahim

The former Bangladesh’s ODI captain, Mushifiqur Rahim is undoubtedly one of the finest middle order batsmen of Bangladeshi cricket. Mostly remembered as the first double centurion in Bangladesh’s history, Mushifiqur is associated with Bangladesh Cricket for more than a decade.

A brilliant wicket-keeper having some incredible batting skills, he has played 155 matches for Bangladesh. His latest eye drawing performance was the 106 runs off 77 balls against Pakistan. An attacking innings which was compiled with 13 fours and 2 huge sixes that helped Bangladesh to build up a target of 330 runs for Pakistan.

During that innings, Mushifiqur scored the century in just 69 balls which is also the third fastest ODI Century by any Bangladeshi batsman. Looking at his performance and record, it is clear that Mushifiqur has played a great role in changing the ODI fortunes of Bangladesh.

Batting Performance in 2015

Matches: 15

Innings: 13

Runs: 611

Average: 50.91

Strike Rate: 103.03

HS: 106

#2 Soumya Sarkar

Soumya Sarkar

The latest batting sensation of ODI Cricket, Soumya Sarkar is the reason behind Bangladesh’s current progress in international cricket. He was the person who helped Bangladesh to win back to back matches against South Africa.

His innings of 127* in the 3rd ODI against Pakistan created history in Bangladesh. Because of his blistering strokeplay, the home team achieved the target of 251 in 39.3 overs.

Apart from this Soumya has also scored a 75 ball 90 which included 13 fours and a six against South Africa which eventually helped them to win the match against the Proteas. Looking at Soumya’s batting one could say that he is the future of Bangladesh’s Cricket.

Batting Performance in 2015

Matches: 15

Innings: 15

Runs: 672

Average: 51.69

Strike Rate: 102.28

HS: 127*

#1 Shakib Al Hasan

All-rounder Shakib

Shakib-Al-Hasan is widely regarded as the greatest cricketer that Bangladesh have ever produced. He is the quickest to complete the double of 4000 runs and 200 wickets in cricket history.

One of the best all-rounders of current generation, Shakib is the highest wicket-taker for Bangladesh in ODI format. Shakib’s current wicket tally is 123. In addition to that he is also the second-highest run getter with a total of 2382 runs from 156 matches.

He became the first cricketer to attain the no.1 ranking as an all rounder in all the three formats of cricket. Without any doubt, we can say that Bangladesh’s future is bright until they have cricketers like Shakib in their squad.

Batting Performance in 2015

Matches: 15

Innings: 13

Runs: 405

Average: 45.00

Strike Rate: 90.60

HS: 63

Bowling Performance in 2015

Matches: 15

Innings: 15

Wickets: 19

Average: 32.47

BBI: 4/55