Top 3 batting performances of Habibul Bashar in Tests

Habibul Bashar holds a special place in Bangladesh’s cricket history. Under his captaincy, Bangladesh registered their maiden Test victory against Zimbabwe in 2005. Bashar and Co. were a challenging side in world cricket for a while. Although he had an inconsistent start as a batter, the right-hander quickly found his rhythm to lead the team in both roles. 

After making his Test debut in 2000 against India, Bashar went on to represent the Bangla Tigers in 50 matches, scoring 3026 runs at an average of 30.88. He has three centuries and 24 half-centuries to his credit in red-ball cricket. As the legendary Bangladesh cricketer turns 52 on August 17, let’s take a look at his top three batting performances in Tests. 

Here are Habibul Bashar’s top three knocks in Tests

3. 84 vs SL, Colombo-RPS, 2005

Bangladesh were invited to bat first in the 2005 series opener against Sri Lanka. Bashar’s 84 off 96 helped the visitors to reach a decent first-innings total of 188. However, Sri Lanka replied with a massive 370 before declaring. There was nothing heroic from Bashar in the second innings as they were bowled out for just 86, giving the hosts a massive innings of 96 and victory.

2. 108 vs Pak, Karachi, 2003

Asking to bat first in the first Test of the 2003 series, Bangladesh smashed 288 against Pakistan’s fearsome pace attack. Bashar top scored with 71 runs. The Men in Green replied with 346, powered by Yasir Hameed’s 170. Bashar once again led the charge with a magnificent hundred and set a target of 217 for the hosts. However, his valiant efforts went in vain as Pakistan comfortably chased down the target.

1. 113 vs WI, St Lucia, 2004 

Bashar registered his highest score in Test cricket in the 2004 series opener against West Indies. The right-hander slammed 113 runs off 131 balls and Mohammad Rafique scored 111 runs off 152 balls to guide Bangladesh to 416 runs. West Indies could score only 352 in reply and conceded 271 more runs in the second innings. Chasing 336 runs, the hosts remained unbeaten on 113 to end the match in a draw.  

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