The Bangla Bomber
The day belonged to England as they thrashed Bangladesh by 168 runs in the fourth match of the ongoing NatWest tri-series on Tuesday.
Andrew Strauss and Paul Collingwood helped themselves to centuries and, in the process, guided England to a mammoth 391 for four.
No team has ever chased or come close to chasing such a huge total. But a young Bangladesh batsman believed in his abilities and talent, in fighting for his every breath.
Twenty-year-old Mohammad Ashraful made the English bowlers run for leather as he blasted a 52-ball 94, inclusive of 11 boundaries and 3 sixes.
He was particularly severe on England's best bowler, Steve Harmison, who even the Aussies found it difficult to hit. Little Ashraful hit the tall fast bowler for two sixes in a over.
It was little surprise that he received a standing ovation when he was dismissed in the 17th over.
Text: Harish Kotian | Photograph: Getty Images
