Will the renewed optimism sustain?

There has been a persisting concern over who would be the next generation to pick up the baton from the likes of Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Tamim Iqbal and Mahmudullah Riyad as the stalwarts approach the final stage of their career.

A lack of belief over the new lot of cricketers had denied the relatively younger players to take the next step and express themselves under pressure. In fact, over the years, the Tigers resorted to the seniors to get over the line in crunch situations, while the role of the youngsters invariably remained secondary in the playing eleven.

But the valiant effort Afif Hossain and Mehedi Hasan Miraz displayed on their record unbeaten 174-run seventh-wicket partnership to navigate Bangladesh past the winning line, from struggling at 45 for six while chasing 216 against Afghanistan in the first ODI, brought forth a breath of fresh air in Bangladesh cricket. 

Interestingly, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Nazmul Hassan, who witnessed the outstanding comeback from the Tigers in Chattogram, admitted that he found renewed optimism regarding Bangladesh cricket's future, courtesy of the two youngsters.

"The type of situation we were in, it required a lot of courage and stability. And the way the two youngsters performed was outstanding. So I think it's very good news for the new generation. Our future is not as bad as I thought," the BCB president told the media after the game yesterday.

"Initially, I thought if we can bat till the 50 over then we can win but I said that if these two players can go on then we have a chance to win. 

"But still, it seemed impossible at one point after we lost six wickets. It looked like it was impossible to face the Afghan bowlers. But the way the two players batted they never looked nervous. As time progressed, we started to believe that if they stay at the crease, we will win," Hassan said.

Furthermore, the BCB boss stated that both Afif and Miraz were doubtful to make it to the ODI squad against Afghanistan even a couple of days back. The duo's inconsistent performance in recent times was the primary factor behind it. Despite having shown a lot of promise, Afif was unable to prove his worth in his last seven ODIs, with no fifties beside his name, while Miraz's batting ability was also under scrutiny before the start of the series. 

"It was not confirmed whether they [Miraz and Afif] will play or not even two days before the first game. It was not confirmed whether they will be in the playing eleven or not as there were a few other names as well.

"I was wondering if they didn't play then what would have happened? As Bangladesh won the game so there is no reason not to be happy," Hassan said. 

There were occasions when the BCB boss blasted the players in the media following poor performances but it is important for the governing body of Bangladesh cricket to back the players even, and especially, when the going gets tough.

Thus, it will be important for the BCB to realise the impact of its belief towards the younger lot of cricketers as it would enable them to assume responsibilities in the future but for that, the authorities also need to give the assurance accordingly.