Bangladesh’s historic first Test victory over Australia in 2017 remains a testament to their determination and the brilliance of their all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan. It was a defining moment for Bangladeshi cricket, showcasing their ability to compete with and defeat a cricketing powerhouse like Australia. This article delves into the key aspects of this thrilling victory, highlighting Shakib Al Hasan’s pivotal role and the resilience exhibited by the Bangladesh team.
A Defining Moment for Bangladeshi Cricket
The first Test match of the series was a pivotal moment for Bangladesh. Not only was it their maiden encounter against Australia in the longest format of the game, but it was also a chance to prove their mettle against a team that had consistently dominated the cricketing world. The pressure was immense, but the Bangladesh team rose to the occasion. The first Test match was played at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram.
Shakib Al Hasan Takes Charge
Shakib Al Hasan’s contributions in this match were truly phenomenal, showcasing his versatility as an all-rounder. In the first innings, Bangladesh faced a shaky start, losing three wickets quickly. However, Shakib and Tamim Iqbal steadied the ship with a crucial 155-run partnership. Shakib’s innings of 84 runs, laced with 11 boundaries, played a key role in rescuing Bangladesh from potential collapse and setting a decent target for Australia.
Dominant Bowling Performance
After his crucial contribution with the bat, Shakib took over with the ball, leading Bangladesh’s bowling attack with a brilliant five-wicket haul. His 25.5 overs yielded a remarkable seven maidens, dismantling the Australian batting order. The dominance was further emphasized by the fact that Australia were all out for 217, giving Bangladesh a crucial lead. Mehidy Hasan Miraz also played his part with three wickets, contributing to the overall success of the Bangladesh bowlers.
Another Heroic Innings by Shakib Al Hasan
Despite losing wickets early in the second innings, Bangladesh managed to score 221 runs. It was Tamim Iqbal who provided a solid start followed by captain Mushfiqur Rahim’s contribution of 41 runs. Once again, Shakib Al Hasan was a thorn in the side of the Australians.
Shakib Al Hasan: The Man of the Match
Australia needed 265 runs to win in the final innings, and David Warner looked determined to steer his team to victory. However, Shakib Al Hasan proved to be too much to handle. His brilliant bowling performance brought about the downfall of Warner and several other Australian batsmen, and he ultimately finished the match with another five-wicket haul, marking the second ten-wicket haul of his Test career. He became the man of the match, leading Bangladesh to a historical triumph.
A Testament to Bangladesh’s Potential
The victory over Australia in this Test match proved to be a significant step for Bangladesh in their cricketing journey. It showed the world that they had the capability to challenge and defeat even the most powerful cricketing teams. It highlighted the potential that Bangladeshi cricket held and ignited hope for a brighter future.
Takeaway Points
- Shakib Al Hasan’s exceptional performance with both bat and ball played a decisive role in the historic victory, showcasing his remarkable skill as a cricketer.
- The match served as a turning point for Bangladesh, proving their ability to challenge even the most dominant teams.
- This win was not just about one player but the entire team’s commitment, resilience, and a winning attitude.
- It cemented Bangladesh’s place in international cricket and provided a platform for their future successes.