On the up from down under

When Bangladesh travelled to Australia for the 2015 ICC World Cup, their hopes from an otherwise barren 2014 were boosted by a whitewash of Zimbabwe in the five-match ODI series. But when they landed down under, any hopes were quickly dashed, but the story that has unfolded afterwards leaves us with a revolutionised Bangladesh side.

The Tigers began their World Cup preparations by suffering two consecutive losses against an Australian XI side, followed by a loss to Pakistan and, humiliatingly, a four-wicket defeat at the hands of Ireland. So when the mega-event kicked off, Bangladesh were comprehensively written off as 'minnows' in the event.

The World Cup began with a win over Afghanistan, before the match against Australia was, some would say, mercifully called-off due to inclement weather. However, while the win over a shoddy England was encouraging, the close loss to New Zealand was a shining ray of hope for the future.

And when the World Cup ended, particularly the fashion in which it ended, led to many tears being shed and widespread outrage. But like a phoenix arises from its ashes, the World Cup gave birth to a new Bangladesh side; a side with an attacking, winning mentality, the likes of which has never been seen before.

Behind the scenes, the Tigers were working on their new brand; their attacking style of play. Hard hitting batsmen and fiery pacers were being honed, a sign of the times and a far cry from the spinners and conservative style of play.

But their mantra of 'attack, attack, attack' was not taken seriously. After all, teams that go out all-guns-blazing have the pedigree of champions, like the West Indies and Australia had in the past. But coach Chandika Hathurusingha and bowling coach Heath Streak were sticking to their vision. And when Mashrafe Bin Mortaza was asked to enforce it, he was all too keen to usher in a new era.

When the second ODI against Pakistan began, the Tigers' style encapsulated the imagination of a generation. Classes and exams had to be shifted due to the cheers -- with every bouncer, every wicket and every unabated flick of the batsmen's wrists -- coming from on-campus and off.

Bangladesh decimated Pakistan in the ODI series and the sole T20 with their new brand of cricket. However, their series win over Pakistan was chalked-up to a poor Pakistan side, not Bangladesh's displays.

By the time India came to Bangladesh, the fervour was gone. Bangladesh were expected to target winning one game. In nobody's mind were they supposed to dismantle India; not in the subcontinent.

India were going to show them how to attack. Instead India faced a siege from ball one and their defence was just not good enough. The youngsters and the old guard attacked; fearless, unapologetic and most of all, unexpected. Bangladesh outplayed India in all departments and with the mindset that Bangladesh have and the confidence they have given their fans, the only thought should be: Bring on the Proteas!