One of the greatest writers of Latin American politics, Eduardo Galieno, in his remarkable book Soccer Under Shadow and Sun claimed that the stadium have their own feelings. A stadium remembers the heroes, who created history and fairy tales on its verdant grass, it resounds, it murmurs and if one can eavesdrop to in silence he can listen to those sounds.
Sophia Garden of Cardiff, a venue with a capacity of 12,000 people may not be one of the most prominent cricket grounds but it surely holds the breath, the aura of success and the fairy tale of a cricket frenzy nation.
Bangladesh made history here in 2005 as the perennial loser of that time beat erstwhile World Champion Australia to stun the cricketing world and after exactly 12 years the team, which has now transformed into a force to reckon with in the cricketing globe, they once again created another sweet memory.
This time Bangladesh team was facing a higher-ranked New Zealand side and a loss would throw them out of the coveted Champions Trophy.
But after reducing the Kiwis for 265 they were in all sorts of trouble on 33-4 but Sophia Garden did not want to see its favourite team receiving an ignominy of defeat and the miracle struck once again.
Shakib al Hasan and Mahmudullah added 224 runs, the highest ever partnership in Bangladesh’s history, to make one of the most remarkable comebacks in ODI history. This is the second time two of the Bangladeshi scored century in the same ODI as Shakib made 114 and Mahmudullah was not out on 102.
But the difference between the two wins is quite visible. On 2005 Australia got a bolt from the blue but this time New Zealand, who have been beaten regularly by Tigers over the last few years, were prepared but despite pushing them into the back foot they could not floor them.
Last time it was the magic of a single innings, 100 off 101 balls did the trick and this time Tigers got two centurions. On that occasion the team had nothing to lose but on Friday the things were not similar.
Despite ascending into the sixth position of ODI ranking through regular victories the critics use to downgrade the team’s amazing achievement by saying that they are excellent at home but not up to the mark away from home. A loss would aggravate their claim and Tigers were desperate not only to keep them alive in the tournament but also to uphold their reputation as a winning side.
Obviously the strength of a winning team is that thirst of winning, habit of winning, and make it possible even from the most unlikely positions and the heist of Mahmudullah and Shakib proved that this side has the capacity, eagerness and most importantly has the mentality to fight till the last drop of blood and eventually clinch the victory. That is the biggest statement Bangladesh, which shocked the world a decade ago, made to world once again. They showed the testimony of their growth and this time it was not bolt out of the blue but they themselves became the bolt that strikes and dismantle opponents.
Shakib is now the highest scorer of this ground, the partnership is the highest of this ground and Bangladesh have proved that they are transformed from 2005 yet the two matches had one common man, Bangladesh’s charismatic leader Mashrafe Mortaza.
On 2005 dismissed Adam Gilchrist, one of the most lethal batsmen of all time, in the second ball for a duck to pave the way for a dream and after 12 years despite innumerable injuries, surgeries and incidents on and off the fields, the super captain played his role.
The highest wicket taker in ODIs for Bangladesh, once again remained frugal giving away just 45 runs off 10 overs, changed bowlers with remarkable effects and his face after winning once again showed his boys are ready to do anything for their skipper that brings so many victories.
Sophia Garden will surely treasure the breath, the footsteps and the passion of this great man and his outstanding team.