DHAKA, Dec 30, 2023 (BSS)- Unarguably the big success of Bangladesh Cricket

in 2023 was Under-19 team's Asia Cup triumph which put a shed on the Men's
team's flop World Cup show to some extent.

In between the Women's team's progress was a treat to watch. Some of the
Under-19 players showcased their credential, hinting that Bangladesh cricket
is at safe hands. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) though increased the
facilities of the Women's team, still it's not par with the men's team. But
success-wise Women's team was way ahead of the Men's team in 2023.

Under-19 team's Asia Cup triumph

Bangladesh Under-19 team created a history by becoming the unbeaten champions
in Asia Cup this year. Opener Ashiqur Rahman Shibli struck a brilliant
century as Bangladesh Under-19 team crushed the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by
195 runs to clinch their maiden Under-19 Asia Cup.

On the way to the final, they beat teams like India and Sri Lanka. Shibli,
who scored two centuries and as many half-centuries, ended the tournament as
highest run-getter with 378 at a staggering average of 126.

Bangladesh beat the UAE, Japan and Sri Lanka in the group phase before
beating mighty India by four wickets in the semifinal. The UAE beat Sri Lanka
and Japan in the group phase and then stunned Pakistan in the semifinal but
their dream run ended against the spirited Bangladesh youngsters, who now
gave the country two multinational trophies, something which the national
team is yet to do. Earlier, in 2020, Bangladesh won the Under-19 World Cup,
beating India. However, the Asia Cup triumph gave Bangladesh a confidence to
win the World Cup, which will be held next year in South Africa, for the
second time.
 
But overall they have mixed success in bilateral series. While they beat
South Africa Under-19 team by 3-2 in five-match series, Pakistan crushed them
by 4-1 and also won the one-off T20. Bangladesh youngsters then fared badly
in a quadruple tournament in India.

Women's team shine throughout the year

Bangladesh Women's team went through a highly successful year. They hinted
their extraordinary progress by forcing mighty India draw the three-match ODI
series 1-1 at home in July. Even they won a T20 match against India before
losing the series by 2-1. Bangladesh played tough cricket in that series to
keep Indian on their toes. Specially the tie in the third match, which India
seemed to win easily, showed how mentally tough the Bangladesh Tigresses
were. They thereafter won the bronze medal in Asian Games before beating
Pakistan by 2-1 in both ODI and T20 series. But their progress was visible in
South Africa where they clinched their maiden T20 and ODI victory. They draw
the T20 series by 1-1 but lost the ODI series eventually by 2-1. Nonetheless
it was a year to remember for the Women's cricketers.

Impressive Pinky, excellent Shanto

Najmul Hossain Shanto led the side astutely when he was given captaincy in
absence of Shakib Al Hasan. Indeed the confidence stemmed from his
outstanding form throughout the year. He was highest run-getter for
Bangladesh in both ODI and Test and third highest run-scorer in T20 format.
In Test cricket he hammered 440 runs in four matches with three centuries. He
averaged 55 in this format. In ODI, he narrowly missed 1000-run mark as he
finished with 992 runs in 27 matches with two centuries and eight half-
centuries. Mushfiqur Rahim came second to Shanto in both ODI and Test format.
Liton Das, however, was Bangladesh top-scorer in T20 format with 282 runs in
eight matches. Rony Talukdar made 183 in seven matches and Shanto scored 182
runs in eight matches.

Fargana Hoque Pinky, however, became the first Bangladeshi female cricketer
to hit International cricket in this year when she scored 107 off 160 against
India in the third and final ODI. The match was eventually tied and
Bangladesh drew the three-match series by 1-1. However Pinky didn't stop
here. She also became first Tigress to hit away century as she hit 102
against South Africa. But her century went in vain Bangladesh lost that match
by eight wickets.

Pinky, however, became the first Bangladesh women's cricketer to break into
the top 20 in ICC ODI cricket rankings. As par the latest update in the last
week of the year, she climbed to 13th position.
 
Hridoy, Sakib, new kid on the bloc

Batter Towhid Hridoy and pacer Tanzim Hasan Sakib who were the part of Under-
19 team's World Cup winning squad in 2020, made it to the national team this
year and found success instantly. Though of late Hridoy had gone through a
bad patch, his ODI stat is impressive as he scored 727 runs in 27 matches
with six half-centuries. He also contributed handsomely in Bangladesh's some
wins against big teams. He also contributed 156 in eight T20s. In both
format, he was Bangladesh's fourth highest run-getter.

Pacer Sakib was not regular in Bangladesh squad but when he was included, he
gave the glimpse of his talent. After a disappointing Asia Cup journey,
Bangladesh had a consolation victory against India. Sakib who made his debut
in this match, contributed the side victory with 2-32. Then he had taken 3-14
as Bangladesh wrapped up New Zealand for just 98 runs to win the game by nine
wickets. Sakib was adjudged man of the match for his impressive performance.