Let’s revisit those jaw-dropping moments when bowlers turned the tide in the Bangladesh-India Test rivalry
India is gearing up for a highly anticipated Test series against Bangladesh, which begins on September 19th at Chennai’s historic MA Chidambaram Stadium. After a 45-day layoff, Team India is ready to go, with Rohit Sharma back in control. For India, this series is more than simply a few days of cricket; it is an opportunity to improve their place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
And guess what? The Bangla Tigers enter this game confidently, having just completed a record series whitewash of Pakistan. We know India has never lost a Test to Bangladesh, but given their current form, they can’t be counted out.
While we wait for the opening ball, let’s look back at some of these two teams’ most memorable bowling efforts. We’ve witnessed some incredible fireworks, and here’s a look at the great performances that have marked the India-Bangladesh Tests throughout the years. Ready to take a journey down memory lane?
It’s 2010, and India is at odds with Bangladesh in Mirpur. The contest had all the makings of a spectacular fight, but Zaheer Khan grabbed the spotlight. The Bangladeshi side was cruising at 290 for 3 in the second innings, giving Indian supporters a panic. But just as it appeared that Bangladesh could have the upper hand, Zaheer changed the script. He returned from lunch with fire in his gut and dispatched Rubel Hossain’s stumps in three balls. Isn’t Zaheer classic?
Zaheer finished with 7 for 87, helping India to a 10-wicket victory. The beauty of his bowling was more than simply speed; it was also about movement. His late swing caused Bangladesh’s batters a lot of problems. Watching him work his magic, especially when he got three wickets in one over, was like seeing a master artisan at work.
Imagine being 20 years old and cruising through an international batting order like it’s no big deal. That is precisely what Irfan Pathan accomplished in 2004 during India’s tour of Bangladesh. Irfan dominated the Dhaka Test, taking 11 wickets in two innings, including a 6-for in the second.
It was one of those instances where everything clicked. Irfan swung the ball both ways, and the Bangladeshi batters had no idea what hit them. His 6 for 51 in the second innings was complete mayhem. Bangladesh was bowled out for 202 at the end of the match, with India winning by an innings and 140 runs. Imagine how confident 20-year-old Irfan must have felt!
Okay, let’s change the script a little. While India has had its fair share of bowling legends, Bangladesh has also had its time of glory. Remember Naimur Rahman? No? Allow me to refresh your memories. It was 2000, and Bangladesh was playing its first test against India. While the match finished at India’s advantage, Bangladesh skipper Naimur Rahman left an impression that is still remembered in cricket circles.
Bangladesh skipper Naimur Rahman with Indian captain Saurav Ganguly ahead of the debut test of Bangladesh // Picture Courtesy – ESPNcricinfo
In his maiden Test, Naimur took six wickets for 132 runs, becoming the best-performing debutant bowler at the time. He didn’t simply burst past India’s top order; he made the cricketing world sit up and pay attention. Despite losing the match, Rahman’s 6-wicket haul provided a ray of light for Bangladeshi cricket, indicating they could stand tall against the heavyweights.
 Happy B’day, Rashid Khan The Unmatched Records.webp)
