Bangladesh’s marks out of 10 following their 3-0 sweep against Zimbabwe at home
Mohammad Isam17-Nov-20149Shakib Al Hasan became the first cricketer to take 18 wickets and score 250-plus runs in a three-Test series•AFPShakib Al Hasan (251 runs and 18 wickets)After a difficult couple of months, Shakib Al Hasan is back, with plenty of runs and wickets in the bag. Shakib became the first cricketer to take 18 wickets and score 250-plus runs in a three-Test series. More than that, it was his mere presence gave Bangladesh a huge lift. His ability to perform admirably with bat and ball under pressure was brought to use regularly.8.5Mominul Haque (321 runs at 64.2)Consistent throughout the series, hitting fifties in Dhaka and Khulna and getting his fourth Test hundred in Chittagong. Before the series, there were a few doubts raised about Mominul’s inability to convert fifties, but he has done well to ease those concerns. His runs at No. 3 meant that once the first wicket fell, the Zimbabwe bowlers’ access to the middle-order became trickier.Tamim Iqbal (308 runs at 51.3)Roundly ridiculed for his 5 and 0 in the first Test, but came back with a vengeance in Khulna with an important 109. Remaining unbeaten on 74 at the end of the first day’s play, Tamim surprised many by the pace of his innings, but the surprise should have been about his ability to hold back shots for so long. Tamim followed this knock up with 109 and 65 in Chittagong, his first international century in his hometown.Taijul Islam (17 wickets)His 8 for 39 in Dhaka was reason enough to cement Taijul’s place as Shakib’s associate in the Test team, particularly at home. Taijul’s ability to hold back the pace of the ball, impart some turn, and ensure the batsman is always being committed to a shot, has been the feature of his bowling. Though he took only nine other wickets in the series, he remained a constant threat after the Dhaka burst.7Mahmudullah (264 runs at 44)Batting at No 4 in the series, Mahmudullah scored important runs. His 63 in the first Test was critical in securing Bangladesh’s slender 14-run lead, and he later top-scored in the tense run-chase, meaning that he would continue to bat at his new position. His fifties in Khulna were overshadowed by stellar performances from Shakib and Tamim, but Mahmudullah gave a good reminder of his pre-2013 days when he provided strong support as a middle-order batsman. Loses points for his 68-ball 16 in the first innings in Chittagong.6.5Jubair Hossain (11 wickets)A complete outsider coming into the Test team, Jubair has done remarkably to play all three Tests. There were moments when he looked ordinary but as the series went on, he showed glimpses of his undoubted talent. Dismissed Brendan Taylor three times in the series, luring him into soft drives that went to hand. What helped him was the five-for that showed that he can maintain his composure in a strong spin attack.Imrul Kayes (145 runs at 72.5)Played only the third Test after the selectors lost patience with Shamsur Rahman. Having rejoined the team as part of Bangladesh’s most successful opening pair, Imrul struck his second Test hundred in Chittagong and was part of a 224-run stand with Tamim Iqbal. He was out cheaply in the second innings, but then took a smart catch to dismiss the dangerous Elton Chigumbura.6Shafiul Islam (4 wickets)Only played the third Test but was an impressive replacement for Shahadat Hossain. He broke two substantial partnerships in the first innings in Chittagong and later picked up the last two wickets of the game when Mushfiqur was searching for a breakthrough. Bowled at good pace and looks fitter than ever before.Mushfiqur Rahim (159 runs at 31.8)Started the series quite well with 64 and a crucial 23 not out in Dhaka, but failed to kick on in the last two Tests. His keeping has also seen a few bad moments, though he has generally been safe behind the stumps. For a batsman who has done quite well this year though, this was a fairly ordinary series for the captain.5Taijul Islam’s 8 for 39 in Mirpur were the best figures in Bangladesh history•AFPShuvagata Hom (117 runs and 2 wickets)He was picked regularly throughout the series but his batting has not been up to the mark. He did score a maiden Test fifty in Khulna, but looked scratchy for the most part, with Zimbabwe giving him plenty of chances. His bowling only came through on the final day in Chittagong when he chipped in with two crucial wickets.Rubel Hossain (5 wickets at 25)Went largely unnoticed, as he often does in home Tests, but he did provide the first wickets in both innings in Chittagong. At least his inflated bowling average has come down a tad. Also to note was his big-hitting 45, his highest Test score, in the third Test.4Shahadat Hossain (2 wickets at 47)A surprise choice ahead of the first Test, Shahadat immediately struck with the first wicket of the Test series. He took one more, making Masakadza leave a ball that angled in. He was not in the thick of things with the ball in hand in Khulna, but played a vital role with the bat at a crucial stage in Dhaka.3Shamsur Rahman (33 runs at 8.25)The biggest disappointment in the series for Bangladesh, particularly after being picked despite an ordinary time in West Indies. He ended up with fewest runs among the top-order and also dropped a couple of crucial catches.1Al-Amin Hossain (no wickets)Played only the Dhaka Test after which he opted out due to university exams. Bowled only eight overs during the game, all in the first innings, but the good news for him landed during the series too – his bowling was considered legal by the ICC.
