Heads held high (5 June 1999)

5 June 1999

Heads held high

Nizamuddin Ahmed in London

Bangladesh did not qualify for the Super Six in the World Cup. This was not news before the World Cup. But, after two creditable victories and respectable outings against West Indies and New Zealand, as was evident from the performance of others in the group, Bangladesh went home with their heads held high.

The team members chatted with The Daily Star in London. This is the first of a three-part serial of selected excerpts.

Aminul Islam:Aminul Islam was enjoying his time as captain of a team that has done well beyond expectations. If a team has proven the pundits wrong to the joy of the world at the cost of Pakistan, it was his Bangladesh.

Trying to put his sentiment in words, the Bangladesh skipper batsman said, "This is a memorable moment in my cricket career, a milestone for Bangladesh. To beat a Test country for the first time and that too in the World Cup is indeed very gratifying. I am probably one of the happiest man."

What about his batting on which Bangladesh depended so much?

"I struggled a bit with my batting. But, I will definitely work on it," said a determined Aminul.

Commenting on his future, he said, "I would like to play as long as I can for Bangladesh."

World Cup stats: Played: 5, Runs: 45, HS: 15 Ave: 9

Mehrab Hossain:Mehrab Hossain had Akram's daughter on his lap. Akram's wife and the tiny-tot travelled with the team. The little girl was absolutely quiet, almost purring. You could tell how well the team got on by the manner the one-year old sat on Mehrab's lap.

Mehrab's reaction after winning the match against Pakistan was 'one of immense joy'.

"That we could beat a Test side was fantastic. We shall try to play like this in the future. This spirit will hopefully last," said Mehrab in one go.

Talking about his body language and warlike facial expressions after holding Shahid Afridi in the deep that the world saw on television, the buoyant cricketer said, "That time I was really excited," said Mehrab, "because I was sure then that we would win the match. I was too excited then."

His long run to his team-mates holding aloft the ball in one hand and his cap in another will remain a source of inspiration for the future.

What went through your mind after winning against Pakistan?

"1971," said an emotional Mehrab. The person that he remembered most was his mother.

He was grateful to his parents, his wife and to his coach Gordon Greenidge for his cricketing career.

World Cup stats: Played: 5, Runs: 120, HS: 64, Half-century: 1, Ave: 24.

Naimur Rahman:"The first win against a Test-playing country was great," said Naimur Rahman.

"I remembered my Baba. He loved cricket. He was my greatest inspiration," he said as his reaction after defeating Pakistan. Naimur's father passed away in July, 1997.

Without giving away his immediate plans with regard to domestic cricket, the flourishing batsman said, "I will continue to play good cricket."

About his World Cup team, Naimur said, "The spirit was very high. Everyone contributed something to batting, bowling or fielding in every match."

Did the fact that there was no coach in the last match have any effect on the team spirit? "No! Because this was a matter.. off the field. Our work is on the field and that we have to do," he said.

World Cup stats: Played: 5, Runs: 114, HS: 45, Ave: 22.80, Wickets: 2

Minhazul Abedin: Minhazul Abedin, who has seen it all, was 'not really excited' when he expressed his feelings about going to Bangladesh after defeating Pakistan.

"I am feeling normal," he said.

He was sure that the reception at Dhaka would 'not be comparable' to the one after the ICC triumph in 1997.

"ICC was very different. That was Bangladesh's first-ever success in cricket," said Minhazul, who almost missed the World Cup bus because of some selection faux pas.

About his fifty against Scotland, a match which many acknowledge was single-handedly won by him, the soft-spoken former captain said, "That was our first victory in a World Cup match. We enjoyed that very much."

Commenting on the win against Pakistan, he said, "It was unexpected. We did not expect to win."

"Positive approach was always on our mind. We always thought positively. And that was why the result was positive', Minhazul summed up the tour.

About his approach to his game Minhazul said, "The fighting spirit was always on the ground."

He was not going to mention anyone particular for his success, saying "Everyone has contributed."

Minhazul dedicated the success to all the players 'who were determined to do well in this World Cup'.

World Cup stats: Played: 4, Runs: 140, HS: 68 no, Half-century: 2, Ave: 70, Wickets: 4

Neeyamur Rashid:"I am definitely feeling great to be going back home after this magnificent tour. We are going back with a little more than our expectations. I seek the blessing of you all so that we may continue to sustain the run of success," began the man who did not lose a World Cup match.

About winning the only match he played, a smiling Neeyamur said, "I consider myself very lucky that I was not the soldier of a beaten side. Moreover, my jersey number is seven. I told (them) before the match that since I am very lucky we might even win this match (against Pakistan). And it was true," said Neeyamur in good jest.

About his future plans, he said, "I will continue to remain in touch with cricket as long as I can to play for the Bangladesh team."

"Pakistan is presently a very good side. Their performance in the World Cup is something exceptional. They were the only unbeaten side in the World Cup. Beating them was great and it will help us gain Test status' was how the tall, handsome cricketer summarised his feelings after defeating Pakistan.

World Cup stats: Played: 1, Runs: 1, HS: 1, Ave: 1

Source :: The Daily Star