March 19, 2017, will forever be a landmark day in Bangladesh's cricket history. While the team had made strides in the shorter formats, their 100th Test match was a defining moment in their journey, one that showed they were no longer just underdogs. On this day, Bangladesh achieved something no one expected — a historic Test win over Sri Lanka, in Colombo no less, marking their first-ever victory against the island nation in this format.
The hero of the day was none other than Shakib Al Hasan, whose all-round brilliance turned the match in Bangladesh’s favor. First, he delivered with the bat, blasting a scintillating century that laid a solid foundation for the chase. But it was in the second innings, with the ball, where Shakib truly played the role of a magician, claiming 4 wickets to dismantle Sri Lanka's resistance.
Chasing a target of 191, Bangladesh still had to overcome the pressure of a challenging final session. Enter Tamim Iqbal, who took charge of the chase with a fearless 82. His swashbuckling knock ensured Bangladesh stayed on track for a famous win. With calm heads and unwavering determination, Bangladesh crossed the finish line with a 4-wicket victory, making history in their 100th Test match.
This victory not only marked a significant milestone in Bangladesh's cricketing journey but also solidified their status as a competitive force in international cricket. The win in Colombo was a testament to their growth, skill, and resilience. On March 19, 2017, the Bangla Tigers roared loud and proud, no longer just underdogs but a team to be reckoned with.
