5 Best performances by Bangladesh batsmen in Test cricket

Bangladesh is playing their 100th Test match, with the ongoing second Test against Sri Lanka. The Tigers are already 1-0 down in the series and but have made a remarkable start to their landmark Test match. But it isn’t going to be easy for the youngest Asian Test team given their tendency to give away the impetus after managing to grab it from the opposition.

Needless to say that Bangladesh will need their heroes to stand up and take responsibility against the Island nation who look a little bit weak but are invincible in their home conditions. They will be under pressure to perform but at times such circumstances bring the best out of the players and that is what their coach Hathurusingha will be hoping.

So far during their journey in the 99 Tests, Bangladeshi batsmen played quite a few memorable knocks. Here is the list of top five best performances from Bangladesh batsmen in the longest format of the game:

5. Habibul Bashar – 113 vs West Indies in 2004

Bangladesh led by Habibul Bashar toured West Indies in 2004 for a 2-match Test series. Given that they had played very few matches since 2000 when they got Test status, this tour to the Caribbean was considered one of the greatest opportunities for them to shine overseas.

Having decided to bat first on a good batting wicket at Gros Islet; Bangladesh made the worst possible start as they lost their opener Hannan Sarkar off the very first ball of the match. Bangladesh’s No.3, their skipper, Habibul Bashar had different ideas.

He came out with intent and weathered the new ball first. Then he started to punish some wayward bowling from the hosts’ bowlers. Bashar stitched important partnerships, first with Javed Omar and then with Rajan Saleh. Soon he completed his century, which was an important one setting the tone for their innings. He was dismissed for 113 but it had set the platform for the batsmen to come. Bangladesh posted a formidable total of 416 and made West Indies realize that they were not going to be a pushover.

The match ended in a tame draw but Habibul Bashar’s innings was highly appreciated as it was away from home and in alien conditions against a strong bowling.