Tigers see steady progress in 2023

For Bangladesh cricket fans, the sting of the Tigers' early ouster from the 2023 ICC World Cup might still linger. But a broader look at the year reveals a different story, one of steady progress and improved performance report agencies.
Unarguably the big success of Bangladesh Cricket in 2023 was Under-19 team's Asia Cup triumph which put a shed on the Men's team's flop World Cup show to some extent.
In between the Women's team's progress was a treat to watch. Some of the Under-19 players showcased their credential, hinting that Bangladesh cricket is at safe hands.

Having endured a 2022 campaign marked by 17 victories in 46 international matches, 2023 saw the Tigers claw their way back into contention. The team upped its game, taking on 49 matches and clinching 24 wins, translating to a significant jump in win percentage - from 37 per cent in 2022 to a commanding 49 per cent this year (this stat does not include the last T20 between Bangladesh and New Zealand on December 31, 2023).
This upward trajectory speaks volumes about the Tigers' growing maturity and resolve. They have battled seasoned opponents with renewed vigor, showcasing their talent across formats. While the World Cup might not have lived up to expectations, the overall picture for cricket in 2023 is one of positive strides and increasing promise.
Young Tigers roar with U-19 triumph in Asia Cup
Bangladesh's cricketing future shines bright, illuminated by the recent achievements of its young guns. In 2023, the nation witnessed the historic rise of the U-19 squad, who captured their first-ever Asia Cup title. This victory, coming on the heels of their 2020 World Cup win, underscores the consistent caliber of talent produced by Bangladesh's cricketing pipeline. It's a testament to the system's ability to deliver future stars who will continue to elevate the country's cricketing standing.

Bangladesh Tigresses' victories mark a stellar year
The year 2023 saw Bangladesh's women's cricket team weaving a narrative of resilience and triumph. While early setbacks in the T20 World Cup and a series of losses in Sri Lanka cast shadows, the Tigresses roared back on home soil with a historic first-ever ODI victory against cricketing giant India. This landmark achievement, along with a bronze medal in the T20 category at the Asian Games and subsequent victories over Pakistan, cemented their rising prominence in the global arena.
Individual brilliance also marked the year. Fargana Hoque's record-breaking ODI centuries and Shorna Akter's meteoric rise in South Africa further highlighted the depth and potential of the squad. Although losses were encountered, the overall South Africa tour proved a resounding success. The consistent form of Fargana and Nahida in ODIs, coupled with skipper Nigar Sultana Joty's leadership in T20s, paints a picture of a team brimming with talent and ready to rewrite the record books.
Impressive Pinky, excellent Shanto

Najmul Hossain Shanto led the side astutely when he was given captaincy in absence of Shakib Al Hasan. Indeed the confidence stemmed from his outstanding form throughout the year. He was highest run-getter for Bangladesh in both ODI and Test and third highest run-scorer in T20 format.
In Test cricket he hammered 440 runs in four matches with three centuries. He averaged 55 in this format. In ODI, he narrowly missed 1000-run mark as he finished with 992 runs in 27 matches with two centuries and eight half-centuries. Mushfiqur Rahim came second to Shanto in both ODI and Test format.
Liton Das, however, was Bangladesh top-scorer in T20 format with 282 runs in eight matches. Rony Talukdar made 183 in seven matches and Shanto scored 182 runs in eight matches.
Fargana Hoque Pinky, however, became the first Bangladeshi female cricketer to hit International cricket in this year when she scored 107 off 160 against India in the third and final ODI. The match was eventually tied and Bangladesh drew the three-match series by 1-1. However Pinky didn't stop here. She also became first Tigress to hit away century as she hit 102 against South Africa. But her century went in vain Bangladesh lost that match by eight wickets. Pinky, however, became the first Bangladesh women's cricketer to break into the top 20 in ICC ODI cricket rankings. As par the latest update in the last week of the year, she climbed to 13th position.
Hridoy, Sakib, new kid on the bloc
Batter Towhid Hridoy and pacer Tanzim Hasan Sakib who were the part of Under-19 team's World Cup winning squad in 2020, made it to the national team this year and found success instantly. Though of late Hridoy had gone through a bad patch, his ODI stat is impressive as he scored 727 runs in 27 matches with six half-centuries. He also contributed handsomely in Bangladesh's some wins against big teams. He also contributed 156 in eight T20s. In both format, he was Bangladesh's fourth highest run-getter.
Pacer Sakib was not regular in Bangladesh squad but when he was included, he gave the glimpse of his talent. After a disappointing Asia Cup journey, Bangladesh had a consolation victory against India. Sakib who made his debut in this match, contributed the side victory with 2-32. Then he had taken 3-14 as Bangladesh wrapped up New Zealand for just 98 runs to win the game by nine wickets. Sakib was adjudged man of the match for his impressive performance.
As they step into 2024, the Tigers carry the lessons learned and the confidence earned, ready to rewrite more chapters in their cricketing narrative.