Getting into the business

After winning the ICC Trophy in 1997 by defeating Kenya, Bangladesh received the green ticket to the voyage for the biggest showcase event of cricket, World Cup 1999 at the home of the gentlemen’s game, England.
Bangladesh was one of the three associated members of the tournament led by Aminul Islam. Being the tourney's underdog and a lot of expectation to meet, the Tigers played five matches, against New Zealand, West Indies, Scotland, Australia and Pakistan, winning two of those.
The victory against star-studded Pakistan was a primary reason to remember the maiden voyage of the Tigers towards the journey of being a full-time cricket playing nation in the ICC's top list.
All-rounder Minhajul Abedin was the ace scoring two half centuries and picking up four wickets in the entire tournament. The second top scorer for Bangladesh was Mehrab Hossain (106 runs). Khaled Mahmud was the leading wicket taker for Bangladesh who picked six wickets.
Being in the group B, the Tigers faced New Zealand in their opening match on May 17, 1999 at Chelmsford County Ground. With Geoff Allott, Chris Cairns and Gavin Larsen plunging in with their bowling attack, picking three wickets each, the Tigers' innings folded for 116 runs. In reply, the Kiwis reached the target by 33 overs with six wickets in hand.
The Tigers faced Brian Lara's West Indies on May 21, 1999 at Dublin, Ireland. The performance status increased from the first match but eventually the Caribbeans won the match by seven wickets. Bangladesh scored 182 in 49.2 overs. West Indies reached the target by 46.3 overs losing only three wickets.
The first victory of the tourney came against Scotland on May 24, 1999 at Raeburn Place in Scotland. The Tigers scored 185 runs while the Scottish team was packed within 163. The 22-run victory came as all-rounder Minhajul Abedin sparked both with the bat and ball (68 runs not out and picked one wicket).
Elated Tigers saw defeat against Australia on May 27, 1999 at Chester-le-Street Riverside Ground. Steady but slow scoring Tigers managed to score 178 runs for seven wickets. The Aussies however reached the target before 20 overs losing only three wickets. Adam Gilchrist and Tom Moody played fiery innings, scored 63 and 55 runs off 49 and 33 deliveries respectively.
Before saying goodbye to the top-most cricket event, the Tigers took on against Pakistan on May 31, 1999 at Northampton County Ground. Tigers' score was 223 runs with Mehrab's 39, Akram Khan's 42 and 40 extra runs. Pakistan were packed at 161 runs within 44.3 overs. Khaled Mahmud showcased a historical bowling performance (31/3, econ 3.10). The entire Bangladeshi crowd on the pavilion poured themselves down into the field to celebrate the victory.
The tournament was educative for Bangladesh. Winning two matches, especially the one against top-ranked Pakistan, was the most optimistic reason for Bangladesh to dream of becoming a full-time member of the ICC family.