Bangladesh (Story)

[Lsansom96]

Seeing another user's brilliant NZ story, I've decided to set up my own! Taken over the reins at Bangladesh, starting up with the ODI series with Australia. Mortaza out for 16 weeks so the 15 man squad is as follows:

T.Iqbal
S.Nafees
M.Mahmudullah
S.Al Hasan
N.Islam
F.Reza
M.Rahim
M.Ashraful
S.Shuvo
M.Sharif
S.Rasel
F.Hossain
J.Islam
A.Razzak
S.Islam

Team to start 1st ODI: Iqbal, Nafees, Mahmudullah, Al Hasan, N.Islam, Ashraful, Rahim, Shuvo, Razzak, Sharif, Rasel.

[Lsansom96]

Bad performance down the order with the bat.

[Lsansom96]

Second ODI we went in unchanged, with the Aussies asking us to bat first. We posted 299-6, Mahmudullah scoring 107, with Al Hasan and Naeem Islam chipping in with half tons. Knowing it was a spinner's pitch, it seemed a perfect chance to level the series. The opening 15 overs of powerplay cost us an unfortunate 99 runs, with the wickets column empty. However, Abdur Razzak struck next over to remove Haddin. By 32 overs, the Aussies were 3 down needing 105 at 5.8rpo. Rasel and Shuvo each took 2 wickets to leave Shane Watson and Mitchell Johnson at the crease needing 38 runs from the final 7 overs. In the 47th over, with Bangladesh sticking with their spinners, Naeem took the wickets of Johnson and Mckay, but conceded 10 runs, 9 runs needed from the final 2 overs, 9 down. Al Hasan was to bowl the penultimate over, and it proved to be a poor one, 8 hit off it with teh scores tied, Australia needing one to win from the final over. The first four balls were all blocked out, until the Australian series win was sealed with a big six from Siddle. A one wicket victory left us knowing that we should have won the game.

The 3rd ODI came round and Sharif was replaced by Shafiul Islam. The toss was won be us, and we elected to bat, posting 250-8, courtesy of a 75 from the consistent Naeem, and 73 from Ashraful. Clint Mckay did the damage, taking 5-44. We took to the field looking to bowl well and clinch a consolation victory. An impressive first 10 overs wielded just 30 runs, at the expense of two wickets (Haddin, Cosgrove) with Rasel responsible for both scalps. For the next 20 overs, our spinners dominated, with Shuvo bowling out his ten overs with figures of 3-37, ably assisted by flourishing all rounder Naeem Islam. After 30 overs the Australians were in huge trouble at 106-7, 145 needed at over 7rpo. It took just 21 more balls to clear things up, as we sealed a win by 113 runs. On the whole it was a positive series, and we knew that after such a close second game, the series result could have gone teh other way.

[Lsansom96]

Test vs Zimbabwe

18 man squad as follows: Iqbal, Nafees, Mahmudullah, Al Hasan, N.Islam, Rahim, J.Islam, Ghosh, Ashraful, Kapali, Shuvo, Mortaza, Sharif, Razzak, Rasel, S.Islam, Hom, F Hossain.

Starting XI: Iqbal, Nafees, Mahmudullah, Hom, Al Hasan, N.Islam, Ashraful, Rahim, Mortaza, Sharif, Rasel.

Opting to play 3 fast bowlers on a good pitch for them, but still plenty of spin in amongst the team. Shuvo not managing to make his debut, and Razzak and S.Islam both miss out.

Toss won by Zimbabwe, we're in to bowl. Not a bad one to lose...

[Lsansom96]

Day 1

Very poor morning for us, as Zimbabwe reached lunch at 93-0, Brendan Taylor bringing up his 50 in the last over before lunch. A dropped catch off him in the first over could prove costly.

The afternoon session started much better, as Mortaza and Sharif bowled well, the former bowling Taylor, and then getting Ervine caught behind in successive overs. Al Hasan then claimed the wicket of Taibu, with Waller being dropped off his bowling that same over. An improved session for us left Zimbabwe at 186-3 at tea, again adding 93 runs in the session.

The evening session saw Masakadza fall for 100 to the bowling off Islam, as the spinners came on before the second new ball. 40 minutes with the new ball proved fruitless, as our opponents ended the first day at 271-4. Their day.

Day 2

The morning session saw us clean the innings up, but not before a Waller 100 projected Zimbabwe to 368 all out. Sharif bowled well and cleaned up the tail ending with three wickets, as handy spinner N.Islam took 3-69, our best figures.

Our openers came out for the afternoon session positively, but Nafees soon fell for 8. We looked to rebuild after that, until Iqbal fell for 32 at nearly a run a ball, leaving us 49-2, our debutant coming to the crease. However he fell third ball, and we were starting to look in some real trouble. By tea Al Hasan had fallen for 24, leaving us trailing by 276, at 92-4.

The evening session started well until Islam fell, 117-5. Mahmudullah seemed to be the only batsman holding his own, despite the fact he was accumulating his runs very slowly. Ashraful soon fell, leaving us 139-6, 29 more needed to avoid the follow on. With Rahim at the crease, Mahmudullah eventually brought up his 50 from 166 balls. He started to score slightly quickly, and no further wickets fell, 171-6 at the close of Day 2.

Day 3

We batted well for the opening 3/4 of an hour, until Rahim fell for 28, Mahmudullah still battling at 83*. Mortaza soon fell in single figures leaving as 229-8, 139 behind. Mahmudullah eventually fell for an impressive 91 next over, and then the rain began to fall.

Play resumed half way through the afternoon session, and after a couple of boundaries Rasel fell, and we were all out for 243, 125 runs behind. Not looking good. However, Mortaza and Sharif opened up well, the former claiming Taylor's scalp early on. Soon after they piled on runs, reaching 54-1 at tea.

The evening session started well, Rasel removing the other opener soon after play resumed. Al Hasan then got Taibu for 1, 69-3, but with a lead of 194. Wickets continued to fall, and the day ended with Zimbabwe at 132-6, holding a commanding lead of 257 runs.

Day 4

We started the day knowing we needed quick wickets, and to keep the run chase under 300. The plan didn't fail and we got them all out for 170, needing 296 to win. Rasel, Mortaza and Al Hasan each took a three-for. The plan was to bat cautiously, as time was not the issue, we had almost 6 sessions to score the runs. However, the pitch was by now highly in favour of the bowlers. We played out 6 overs before lunch well, reaching 12-0.

The afternoon session continued to be carfeul, as we proceeded at under 2 per over. Soon though Nafees fell, and we were 37-1. Mahmudullah and Iqbal batted superbly, taking us to 81-1 at tea. A good session for us, another 215 to win.

Soon into the evening session Iqbal brought up his half century, and the runs continued to flow in the evneing. We reached the close of play at 160-1, Iqbal on 87 and the ever consistent Mahmudullah on 54. We needed just 136 more on Day 5, and had 9 wickets in hand.

Day 5

Mahmadullah fell early on Day 5, leaving us 180-1, Hom coming to the crease for just his second innings in Test Cricket. He and Iqbal played the new ball well, the latter bringing up a superb 100 at an unusually yet effective SR of 44. The runs came thick and fast after this, and we reached lunch at 258-2, 38 more needed. Hom was playing well, and was not out at 36.

We came out of teh blocks quickly, and despite Iqbal falling for 139, we wrapped up a seven wicket victory, the impressive Hom hitting an unbeaten fifty.

We therefore won the test series, with an encouraging batting and bowling performance after a poor first innings in both aspects. We then proceeded to the ODI's...

[Lsansom96]

1st Test VS West Indies

One change from the original team, Razzak coming on for Rasel, on a pitch that appeared to suit the spinners more.

Having been put into bat, we collapsed to 172 all out, Mahmudullah showing the only resistance with a score of 48. Despite then making early inroads into their innings, a hundred from Chandepaul, who combined with Sarwan (fell just short of 3 figures) opened up a lead of 200 exactly, the tourists falling for 372. Naeem Islam bowled very impressively with his first test five-for, taking 7-82.

We appeared to be in huge trouble, but our opening pair came out and batted well, passing 100 for their stand, until Nafees was run out on 49. Iqbal continued to bat well with Mahmudullah by his side, and reached another 100. The partnership flourished until he fell for 111, leaving us 200-2. Any runs scored now would be needed to be chased down by our opponents. Hom came to the crease and batted very well with Mahmudullah, putting on 132 until the later fell for 90. In a breezy partnership with Al Hasan, Hom reached his maiden test hundred, falling shortly after, also for 111. We were now 403-4, leading by 203, looking to push on into the afternoon, and set a target above 300. And so we did, as a phenomenal stand of 178 saw both Al Hasan and the new hero Islam each reach 102 not out, as we declared with half an hour to go on day 4, West Indies needing 382 to win. Given that the pitch was now turning severely, it was a tremendous effort by our batsman, and we had a real shout at claiming a victory.

Having played out the overs, reaching 17-0, West Indies needed 365 to win on Day 5, we needed 10 wickets. All four results were still possible, with three sessions to go.

The morning session was a bad one for us, as the runs piled on at over 3 per over, until Gayle fell victim to the occasional off spin of Mahmudullah just before lunch. They reached lunch at 129-1, needing another 253, still very much in the balance.

We continued with Mahmudullah after lunch, reaping the rewards when he had Chanderpaul caught at slip, 154-2, 228 more to win. A huge chance went next over, as Rahim (WK) dropped Nash of the bowling of Sharif for just 1, could this prove costly? Not too costly! Al Hasan picked up Nash for 15, 194-3, another 188 to win! What a game! A couple of overs later he struck again, removing dangerman Gayle for 99! At 207-4 it was still tight, but the momentum appeared to be swinging our way. AND ANOTHER! As the spinners began to get hit, on came Mortaza, Deonarine gone, 232-5, 150 MORE TO WIN. With half an hour left before tea, it appeared a win was on the cards, but which way it'd go was still undecided. In came Wicket Keeper, Dinesh Ramdin. As Sarwan aggressed, the game seemed to be slipping away until, HE'S GONE! Mortaza takes the wicket 263-6, another 119 needed for the win.

And so they reached tea at 270-6, Ramdin and Sammy in. In the final session, 112 were needed to win and we needed four wickets. WHAT A GAME!

Ramdin came out hitting and the total runs required soon fell below 100, until MAHMUDULLAH GETS HIM CAUGHT BEHIND! AND ANOTHER, SAMMY GONE THREE BALLS LATER!!! 287-8, still 95 more needed, a historic win was heading our way. However, Roach and Austin batted carefully, soon whittling the deficit to 64 to win. Until MAHMUDULLAH STRIKES, THATS HIS FIVE FOR! 10 and 11 were left at the crease, and we had an hour to get a wicket, and they had 65 runs to chase.

And so the game was wrapped up next over, Al Hasan taking the wicket of Austin, as we won by 63 runs, a famous victory and a phenomenal performance!

[Lsansom96]

2nd Test Match VS West Indies

One change was made to the team, that being Abdur Razzak coming out for left-arm-seamer Shafaq Al Zabir, owing to his good form in country cricket. We lost the toss and were put into bowl, but with some spin in the pitch, it didn't seem to bad a toss to lose.

Day 1

The morning session was a good one for our seamers, as Mortaza took two and Al Zabir claimed a maiden test wicket, to leave the top 3 all back in the hutch, the score 88-3.

Only one further wicket fell in the afternoon, as Nash fell to Al Hasan, 169-4. About even.

An awful third session followed, the new ball having no effect. WI ended the day on 280-4.

Day 2

We went out in the morning looking for early wickets. We did manage to take 4 further wickets, as our part time off spinners took one apiece, Mortaza taking two. However, the runs flowed and at lunch they were 400-7. Sarwan had done the damage with an excellent 100.

After lunch Mortaza removed Roach, and Ramdin fell to Al Zabir, as the West Indies posted a very hand 435. We came out to bat and reached tea at 34-1, Nafees the man no longer at the crease.

The evening session followed an we ended the evening on 105-2. Iqbal fell for a painfully slow 37, with Mahmudullah still at the crease, accompanied by an attacking looking Hom.

Day 3

The morning on Day 3 was a session won by the tourists, as we reached lunch at 200-6. Mahmudullah was still in on 63, playing very slowly as wickets tumbled around him, as our middle order succumbed frustratingly, having made decent starts.

The afternoon session was a great one for us. Rahim played a tremendous, breezy knock, eventually falling for 72. That was the only wicket to fall, with Mortaza and Mahmudullah at the crease, the later on 99, with just four boundaries to his name. The score was 298-7, we trailed by 137 runs.

In the evening we came out looking to close that gap, but Mortaza fell early to Darren Sammy. Wickets tumbled from here, and the innings ended as Mahmudullah fell for 111, a very impressive knock. All out 311, 124 behind.

We knew we needed to bowl well for the remaining hour and a half left in the session. And so we did, Al Zabir trapping Gayle LBW for a three ball duck. Barath also fell after to Mortaza, and we needed to maintain this pressure. Bad light ended the session prematurely, the West Indies on 63-2, leading by 187.

Day 4

The morning session saw two more wickets fall, Sharif and Mahmudullah taking them. They reached lunch at 160-4.

In session 2, we took just one wicket, as the runs piled on.

In session 3 after the sixth wicket fell, they declared at 310-6, setting us a huge 434 to win. We had 3 and a half sessions to play out. This half session was a bad one for us, both openers falling as we reached the close at 58-2. A lot of work needed to draw or win, and claim a series victory.

Day 5

Our fate was sealed. 142-8 at lunch, only Mahmudullah resisting their attack, unbeaten and past his 50.

Some entertaining batting followed, but we eventually collapsed to 195 all out.

SERIES DRAWN.

With the series drawn we were quite happy, seeing the likes of Mahmudullah, Mortaza, Al Zabir, Islam, Hom and Iqbal perform. However the places of Nafees, Al Hasan and Sharif were all under real scrutiny, as we headed for the ODI series.

[Lsansom96]

Our squad of 15 for the ODI series saw Nafees and Razzak lose their places, with opener Junaid Siddique coming in, as well as batsman Jahurul Islam, Slow Left Armer, Elias Sunny, Leg Spinning all rounder Alok Kapali, and SLA all rounder, S.Shuvo. We were looking to get in a position where the ODI and TEST teams looked similar, so these new faces would get a chance in test series to come...

[Lsansom96]

1st ODI VS West Indies

Team: Iqbal, Siddique, Mahmudullah, Hom, Al Hasan, N.Islam, Rahim, Shuvo, Sunny, Mortaza, Al Zabir.

We won the toss and put our opponents into bowl, restricting them to 254-6.

The chase was unsuccessful, as we fell for 170, Al Hasan the only respectable performer with the bat, scoring a good 68. Poor performance.

[Lsansom96]

2nd and 3rd ODI's

If anyone is interested, let me know, so I'm not doing this for the sake of it! Though its got a few views, so I'll carry on for now.

Second ODI

One change- Jahurul Islam in for Hom. Lost toss, batting first. Dire, dire performance, a calamitous 149 all out. Serious work needed on one day games, seems as though I've messed selection up big time.

They polished it off quickly, just two wickets down. One game left to play, experiment for us with the series all done.

Third ODI

Siddique and Shuvo out. Kapali with a straight swap for Shuvo, batting at 8, Ashraful in for Siddique, but swapping with Naeem Islam, who will open the batting. Toss won, bowl first. Limit them to 240 if poss.

Did just that, they reached 242-9 off their 50, Sunny taking a very impressive 5 wickets for us. Abysmal bowling from Al Zabir, he'll be out!

Batted awfully, all out 170. Big changes needed!

[Lsansom96]

T20's VS WI

Squad of 15, new faces included the returning Syed Rasel, opening keeper, Hannan Sarkar, batsman Aftab Ahmed and bowler Shafiul Islam. Sharif, Al Zabir, Siddique and Jahurul all out.

Side for first T20: Iqbal, Sarkar, Mahmudullah, Ahmed, Al Hasan, Naeem Islam, Ashraful, Rahim, Sunny, Mortaza, Shafiul Islam.

Won toss, decided to have a bowl. They reached 173-1 in a poor bowling performance. We replied with a dismal 107 all out, though returning face Ahmed scored an impressive 45.

Changes for the second T20 saw Rasel replace Shafiul, and Kapali play for the rested Shakib Al Hasan. Toss lost bowled first, they posted a total of 164-7, our fast bowlers playing appalling, but Mahmudullah taking 5-21 from his 4. The chase as ever was unsuccessful, as we fell 19 shorts with 4 wickets intact. There were some decent batting performances, and also some shocking umpiring decisions, so we hoped for some luck in our next series!

[Lsansom96]

Series VS Pakistan, 1st Test

Team named: Iqbal, Ashraful, Mahmudullah, Ahmed, Al Hasan, N.Islam, Rahim, Shuvo, S.Ahmed, Mortaza, Rasel. 12th man- Hom.

New face at No.9, SLA Shaker Ahmed, just 19 years of age. Bowling well in First Class, worth a try! Lost toss, but bowling first on a spinner's pitch...

[Lsansom96]

1st Test VS Pakistan

Day 1

Morning session with our opponents in to bat, we bowled decently, as they reached 96-2 at lunch. Mortaza and new spinner Ahmed removing both of their openers.

Awful afternoon session, 221-2.

Evening session, we fared slightly better, reducing them to 344-4, Mortaza and Naeem Islam claiming a scalp each. On the whole a poor day's play, and already a bad result loomed likely.

Day 2

An abundance of depth was costing us, 464-6 at lunch, Shakib taking both of those wickets. Bowling otherwise dreadful, waiting for that declaration.

Four quick wickets after lunch, 3 for Shuvo and one for SLA Ahmed got them all out for 486. By tea we were 50-2, Ashraful and Iqbal both gone.

A masterclass in spin bowling... All out 237, 85 not out from Al Hasan saving even worse blushes. 249 behind following on.

Day 3

Start of play delayed by 1hr30 due to rain. Abysmal batting, Iqbal and Mahmudullah gone, 25-2 at lunch.

All out 138, the less said the better...

Serious work needed, and big changes.