Mirpur: Bangladesh’s five-wicket win against Pakistan here on Wednesday – to reach the final of Asia Cup T20 – is more than the game of cricket.
In fact, the episode is rather surreal. Mohammad Amir almost snatched the match away from the hosts who looked steady at 104/4 with 26 required off 16.
Though out of form, Shakib Al Hasan’s stay in the middle does make a difference. Mohammad Amir cleaned him up in the 18th over.
In the words of @ZAbbasOfficial ... "What. A. Bowler."https://t.co/8HD3wDaxDQ #AsiaCupT20 #BANvPAK #cricingif pic.twitter.com/Jl72eoL3qI
— Cricingif (@cricingif) March 2, 2016
The fans stood up, the roar made it look like a war front when the image of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman alias ‘Bangabandhu’ appeared on the giant screen.
(Photo: Facebook/ Shamya Dasgupta)
The image earlier appeared during Pakistan's innings as well but the timing of his arrival evoked history.
Bangabandhu, one of the founders of Bangladesh, fought the Liberation War in 1971 against Pakistan.
The revolution resulted in the independence of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh against Pakistan military who launched Operation Searchlight.
He was assassinated in 1975, his daughter Sheikh Hasina is the current Prime Minister of Bangladesh who was also present in the stadium.
Honorable Prime Minister has arrived in the stadium to watch #BANvPAK match, crowds are cheering! #riseofthetigers pic.twitter.com/HnMdgg3CSa
— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) March 2, 2016
A win against Pakistan brings back old memories – of freedom and independence.
