If there is a team that deserves more matches, it has to be Bangladesh. They certainly are the underdogs, giant slayers. However, lack of experience is making things difficult for them. If there is a player who knows about this very well, it has to be Rumana Ahmed.
Being around for a while now, she wanted to become a cricketer right from her childhood and to come from a place like her’s, it is a big deal. While her mother was not against playing cricket, she was not all-in too. Once again, blame the popularity of women’s cricket and the amount of matches they were getting. However, Rumana Ahmed is persistent and is continuing a journey that is an inspiration to many women out there.
Her best year had to be 2018. In fact, it was a best year for Bangladesh cricket as well. A lot of things began to change during that year. After being whitewashed against South Africa, there was a change in coach and things changed as well.
Come Asia Cup. A tournament in which India never lost match. 2018 Asia Cup started similarly. India was looking strong to continue their winning run. They had Bangladesh in the final.
Rumana Ahmed was the star for the team throughout the tournament. She won them matches with both ball and bat and was leading from the front.
Her performance in the final is certainly one of the best ever produced. She removed a well-settled Kaur, a dream come true for her. Then dismissed Deepti Sharma and Anuja Patil. Her experience of playing them earlier helped her. Then a run-out to dismiss Jhulan Goswami. She turned the match around for the team with a spell of 3-21.
Chasing a much-lesser target of 142, openers gave the team a bright start then it was her unbeaten 42 off 34 along with Hoque’s unbeaten 52, gave Bangladesh their first win over India along with the Asia Cup trophy.
Things really did turn a bit right for Bangladesh since then. Rumana made heads turn and had WBBL contract.
Rumana did bring in her WBBL experience to the side and was an improved bowler. However, her knee injury kept her out for several months including T20 World Cup qualifiers. She did make to the squad back in time for the World cup. However, Bangladesh could recreate the magic they once did in 2018 Asia Cup.
Having said that, this is an improved side now and Rumana Ahmed is an improved bowler and is raring to go once again. I badly wish they get more matches against top sides.
