Tri-Nation series and making the ICC Champions Trophy semifinals
Bangladesh started their preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy with a Tri-nation series Dublin which involved Ireland and New Zealand. They finished the series on a high having beaten the black caps by five wickets in their final match.
The Champions trophy signaled a turning of the tides for Bangladesh cricket as they made it to the semifinals of the coveted tournament, although they had luck on their side as they shared points against the Aussies in a rain-interrupted game – a game where Australia were on course for victory before rain took over proceedings.
Bangladesh fared poorly in the bowling department over the course of the tournament, losing to England in the first match by eight wickets after posting a challenging 305 on the board.
Bangladesh’s final Group A fixture was a do-or-die affair against New Zealand and the Tigers rose to the occasion through a fantastic 224-run partnership between Mahmudullah Riyad and Shakib – a partnership that ensured semifinal berth for the Tigers.
Bowling problems however once again came to the forefront as Bangladesh lost to India by nine wickets in the semis as their total of 264 looked small and inadequate.
Making it to the semifinal was a big achievement for Bangladesh and the victory against the Kiwis to ensure semifinal berth after staring defeat in the face was a remarkable feat that will live long amidst the fans of Bangladesh.