The 1999 World Cup went on to change Bangladesh cricket: Habibul Bashar

Former skipper Habibul Bashar  has said that the 1999 edition of the Cricket World Cup is what went on to change Bangladesh cricket. That was the Asian side's first-ever appearance in an ICC tournament and while they did not qualify for the Super Six, the Aminul Islam-led side did go on to stun the eventual finalists Pakistan by 62 runs in their group clash at Northampton.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh have blown hot and cold in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2022. While they did register a hard-fought nine-run win over the Netherlands in their tournament opener, the Shakib Al Hasan-led side suffered a humiliating 104-run loss in their next game against South Africa. 

"This (playing the World Cup) is a very big opportunity for any country. The 1999 World Cup went on to change Bangladesh cricket. It truly made a difference in Bangladesh cricket. After '99 World Cup, it generated a lot of interest in the country. So, it is very important for them (associate) teams to play in the World Cups and cricket gets recognition in their countries," said Bashar while speaking on 'BatBricks7 presents Run Ki Runneeti' on CricTracker.

"It is very good for cricket to have other countries coming in the mainstream and these teams can actually perform. If you look at these teams they are beating big teams. So, it is very good for cricket and it is very good for the associate countries. So, it is very good for the tournament and it is a very big step from the ICC," he added.

After that mammoth 104-run defeat at the hands of South Africa, Bangladesh need to win all their remaining games and must have a supreme NRR as well for making further advancements in the competition. They are currently facing Zimbabwe at The Gabba in Brisbane. 

The Zimbabweans who had outclassed Pakistan in the last game have lost their top-order chasing 151 and now, it remains to be seen whether the Bangladesh bowlers can apply a hold on them and come out on top with a big win. 

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