Emerging cricketers shine brightly

Let’s start with a recap of 2024. Bangladesh played a total of 43 international matches across Test, ODI, and T20I formats, winning 18 and losing 25.

Breaking it down further: out of 10 Test matches, Bangladesh won 3 and lost 7. In ODIs, the team won 3 out of 9 matches, while in T20Is, they had an even record with 12 wins and 12 losses in 24 games.

The year saw Bangladesh competing mostly without their legendary "Fab Five" – Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Mahmudullah Riyad. Mashrafe, unofficially retired, did not play any matches, while Tamim remained absent throughout the year.

Among the remaining three, Shakib played five Tests and 12 T20Is but skipped ODIs, having announced his retirement from the format. Mushfiq played six Tests and four ODIs, remaining retired from T20Is. Mahmudullah, having retired from Tests nearly three and a half years ago, played 20 T20Is and nine ODIs, making him the most active among the senior players. Their intermittent participation highlighted a reduced reliance on the seniors.

In their absence, 2024 marked an extraordinary rise of emerging talent in Bangladesh cricket. Concerns about the post-Fab Five era were replaced with optimism as young cricketers showcased remarkable performances, rewriting history.

The year was a dream come true for leg-spinner Rishad Hossain. Addressing Bangladesh's long-standing need for a wicket-taking leg-spinner, Rishad claimed a record 35 wickets in T20Is in a calendar year — the highest by any Bangladeshi bowler in history. Trusted by the team management, Rishad played all 24 T20I matches of the year.

During the T20 World Cup in June, held in the USA and West Indies, Rishad made a significant impact, finishing sixth on the tournament's wicket-takers list with 14 scalps, equaling Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan. His stellar performances against the West Indies capped off an incredible year for this young bowler from Rangpur.

When it comes to batting, the name Zaker Ali Anik stands out. The young wicketkeeper-batter from Habiganj has become a reliable force in the middle order. With six half-centuries across formats, Zaker scored a total of 723 runs in 2024.

In the year’s final match, Zaker’s unbeaten 72 off just 41 balls left the cricketing world in awe. His ability to clear the boundary, including six massive sixes, has reshaped perceptions about Bangladesh’s T20I batting prowess.

Nahid Rana’s Express Pace
Bangladesh found a new pace sensation in Nahid Rana, who debuted in both Tests and ODIs in 2024. The right-arm pacer picked up 24 wickets in nine matches (six Tests and three ODIs), earning the nickname "Chapainawabganj Express."

Nahid made headlines during the Rawalpindi Test against Pakistan by clocking a blistering 152 km/h. He continued his fiery form in the ODI series against Afghanistan in Dubai, showcasing his speed and skill.

Youngsters like Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Hasan Mahmud, and Tanzid Hasan Tamim have also stepped up to shoulder responsibility. Meanwhile, Mehidy Hasan Miraz had a standout year. The former U-19 World Cup star excelled with both bat and ball, finishing as the second-best Test all-rounder globally and becoming Bangladesh’s second-highest ODI run-scorer (305 runs) after Mahmudullah (337 runs). Miraz also took eight wickets in ODIs, cementing his reputation as a dependable performer.

The rising stars of Bangladesh cricket have proven their mettle, paving the way for a bright future even without the Fab Five. With their exceptional performances, these emerging talents have assured fans that Bangladesh cricket is on the right track.