The year 2014 was a horrendous one for Bangladesh cricket, and what followed in the next year was a dream for the team.
Apart from the success in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 and the bilateral home series against India, Pakistan and South Africa, what was more eye-catching was the beginning of a new era where the rise of new talents like Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Al-Amin Hossain, Sabbir Rahman, Soumya Sarkar and Liton Das.
At present, Bangladesh cricket is experiencing a similar period, but with even more success.
The Tigers secured their first Test victory in New Zealand earlier this year. Their performance in the 1st Test at Mount Maunganui was one of the best displays of cricket in the team's history.
Mahmudul Hasan Joy played a splendid innings of 78 runs with a high leave percentage against the likes of Wagner, Jamieson, Boult and Southee. While bowling, Taskin and Ebadot have been getting the reverse swing as no other Bangladeshi seamer did before on such a big occasion.
In the very next away series in South Africa, where they could never win before, they won the ODI series dominating the home side.
Taskin and Shoriful have proven to be effective to bring the breakthroughs in the middle overs regularly and starting well with the new ball as well. Taskin, the Player of the Series picked up his 2nd 5-wicket haul in the 3rd ODI.
In the recent past, Afif Hossain and Mehidy Hasan Miraz have been a reliable duo after a top-order collapse. Even if the team is 45/6 chasing 215, there is hope nowadays.
Liton Das' transition in the last couple of years has been a blessing for the Bangladesh team. In Tests in 2021 and 2022, he has averaged 49.50 and 65.33 so far. His name is being taken among the best wicketkeeper batters in Tests at present. In 6 ODIs this year, he averages 56.00. Even in T20Is, he has started to show up.
The scenario is much better than that of a few years back in Bangladesh cricket. Bangladesh can hope for a Test victory in SENA conditions now. The batting doesn't rely too much on 3 or 4 best batters of the team.
There are multiple strike bowlers. The seam bowling department is more complete than before. Uncapped youngsters like Ariful Islam, Shahadat Dipu and Mrittunjoy Chowdhury are performing. The next generation of Bangladesh cricket is ready for their own era.
