The deserts were frightening, but not enough to scare them. The heat was exhausting but not enough to stop them. The conditions were hostile, but not enough to break their determination. They didn’t know how to fail and nobody knew how to make them fail.
They were invincible, impeccable, fierce and ruthless. They were the champions of the world bringing the first-ever ICC title for Bangladesh cricket in 2020.
If you are wondering why the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup is in discussion after 2 years of its completion, then you might have missed yesterday’s ODI match between Bangladesh and RSA.
Bangladesh have once again landed their feet in Proteas' ground, this time with the national team. But two of those 15 who conquered the world in African soil are there too - Shoriful Islam in the whole tour, and Mahmudul Hasan Joy for the Tests.
Both of them had a great outing in that tournament. Mahmudul Hasan Joy scored 184 runs in 6 innings. No one will forget his gorgeous century against New Zealand in the semi-final which subsequently ensured Bangladesh's greatest ever U19 World Cup campaign.
He already proved himself in testing conditions against New Zealand on new year's eve, which was also one of the greatest victories in Bangladesh cricket.
Shoriful Islam contributed a great deal with 9 wickets from 6 games. He was the first player from that squad to get into the national side.
Of course, he was trusted for his height and physic. But most importantly, for his aggression which lacks among Bangladeshi pacers.
Together with Taskin Ahmed, he has been the face of pace bowling for Bangladesh. Specially pace bowling in Test cricket has reached a new height since his inclusion in the national team.
These new breeds are literally making histories wherever they are going. Bangladesh never won a World Cup before them. They did it in style. Bangladesh never won in New Zealand. Their inclusion helped them do so.
Bangladesh never won a game in South Africa in any format, and they made it happen yesterday. Well, yesterday’s game only included Shoriful from that World Cup-winning squad and Yasir as a new face. And both of them played crucial roles in bringing the historic victory for their country.
The U19 batch of 2020 has been like a fresh breath for Bangladesh cricket. Everything they touch turns into gold.
Once again Shoriful Islam and Mahmudul Hasan Joy are back in their famous hunting ground, this time for the senior side, to repeat what they did two years back. Shoriful has shown glimpses of his promise, more to come of course. Joy is waiting for the longer version of cricket.
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