Bangladesh’s top ten moments against India-5

Alok Kapali. Star file photo

Seven years ago, Alok Kapali, in front of a sparsely crowded National Stadium in Karachi, proved just how dangerous a batsman he could be when set.

His 115 against India in the Asia Cup in 2008 might have been the only century in his ODI career, but it was enough to display the sheer talent and power--attributes which were however eventually wasted-- that the man possessed.

At that point of time, it was the fastest century scored by a Bangladeshi batsman—Kapali reached the mark in 86 balls—and the first ever scored by a Bangladeshi against India.

When Kapali came to the crease that afternoon the Tigers were in trouble at 120 for 4. A young Tamim Iqbal had given away his wicket after scoring 55 and they needed to rebuild.

A cautious Kapali, in an attempt to build a partnership with Mushfiqur Rahim initially just nudged the singles. At the end of 40 overs Kapali had scored 43 off 59 balls and the Tigers were poised at 183 for 5. What happened next not only left MS Dhoni bewildered but was also beyond the imagination of the Bangladeshi dressing room.

Kapali decided to unleash himself. By then he was already known for his inside-out drives and his stylish flicks through the leg-side; on that day though, those drives seemed to be played with a lot more panache.  

He began by smacking Yousuf Pathan for two sixes over midwicket in an over. MS Gony was then punished with a 17-run over. 

Dhoni turned to Ishant Sharma’s yorkers next, in order to contain the runs, but those were timed brilliantly through midwicket for two boundaries. By the time the carnage was over Kapali had hit four sixes and seven fours in the last ten overs and powered the Tigers to 283 by the end of play.

Dropped catches, combined with a brilliant century from Suresh Raina eventually did take India home that day, however, none of that managed to deter the speciality of Kapali’s knock.  

The rarity of the innings is reflected from the fact there has only been one other Bangladeshi batsman to score a century after coming into bat at number six or later. Nasir Hossain was the second batsman to achieve that feat against Pakistan in 2011.

According to selectors, Kapali, who last played an ODI in 2011, isn’t even in their ‘plan B’. The statement was made earlier this year after Kapali hit form in domestic cricket. The batsman scored two double centuries in domestic cricket this year and has been the highest run-getter in the recently concluded Bangladesh Cricket League.

Kapali though isn’t bothered about those statements and just hopes to continue his good run.

“Anything is possible in Bangladesh,” a smiling Kapali told The Daily Star yesterday when asked as to whether he still dreams of playing international cricket.

“My aim is to play cricket for as long as possible, whether or not I am in the BCB’s plans is a different issue all together,” he added.

Reflecting on the mesmerising innings of 2008 Kapali said that the innings had been etched in his mind.

“That was a special knock. It was the fastest ever by a Bangladeshi, it was a brilliant feeling. I was making a comeback back then and I had to do well, I was really happy it worked out. Unfortunately we couldn’t win that game, but we really fought hard.”