Joy Bangla

Had they pocketed their first silverware of consequence,it could have bettered the watershed moment that Aminul Islam amp; Co traversed back in 1999. During that years World Cup in England,Bangladesh,an associate nation then,beat eventual finalists Pakistan by 62 runs. That first victory over a Test nation was what hastened the process of making Bangladesh the tenth full-fledged cricket nation. The decade since has been a long wait for Bangladesh to take the second big leap as a cricketing nation. There were sparks of brilliance. They famously beat Australia in an ODI at Cardiff in 2005 and kicked India out of the 2007 World Cup,but they hadnt gone on to light a sustainable fire. Now,well in their 13th year as a Test-playing nation,the side has registered just three Test wins. Their ODI record is slightly better.

Bangladesh cricket has evolved,but the marker needed to validate it a win has eluded them yet again. As an Asia Cup finalist,an underdog now worth rooting for,Bangladesh have to ensure their brilliance is no flash in the pan. Its not going to be easy. But given the way they played in the Asia Cup,it shouldnt be difficult.