13 Interesting Habibul Bashar facts that you need to know

13 Interesting Habibul Bashar facts that you need to know: The former Bangladeshi skipper Habibul Bashar was a stylish right-handed batsman. Bashar is epitomized as one of the major forces behind the rise of the Bangla tigers in the 2000s. In the same period he emerged as the most consistent batsman for his nation. His liking for hook shots was never a secret but it was his elegant drives which made him a pleasing sight on the 22 yards. A man of astute character Bashar was an excellent man-manager which got reflected in his leadership as well.

Overall, he featured in 50 Tests for his country and accumulated 3,026 runs at an average of 30.87 with 3 centuries and 24 half-centuries to his credit. While in 111 ODIs he amassed 2168 runs at an average of 21.68 with 14 half-centuries.

On the eve of his 43^rd birthday, we list 13 Interesting Habibul Bashar facts that you need to know:

1. Birth: Habibul Bashar was born on August 17, 1972 in Nagakanda, Kushtia, Bangladesh. His international career spanned for 13 long years.

2. Love for cricket: In the era of 1980s and 90s, Bangladesh wasn’t a Test playing nation. Bashar’s parents wanted him to pursue studies but ultimately his love for the game made him overcome all the prevailing obstacles and then as they say the rest is history.

3. Asia Youth Cup 1989: Bashar was part of the Bangladesh Under-19 team in Asia Youth Cup 1989. In the tournament he played alongside Sourav Ganguly, Ajay Jadeja, Marvan Attapatu and Moin Khan.

4. Test Debut: Bashar made his Test debut against India in 2000. In his debut Test innings he played a brilliant knock of 70 runs while he managed 30 runs in the 2nd innings of the match. His batting hopes favoring the development of Bangladesh cricket.

5. Notable Test record: Habibul Bashar was the first Bangladeshi batter to score a half-century in Test cricket. He signed off as the leading run-scorer for Bangladesh in Tests as well with 3,026 runs to his credit.

6. Most prolific career knock: He played the innings of his life against West Indies at Gros Islet Test in 2004. He scored a scintillating 131 ball 113 run knock which remains his highest individual score in International cricket as well.

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7. Captaincy achievements: At a time when the Bangladesh side was struggling to find its feet in international cricket, he led his side brilliantly. He led Bangladesh to its maiden Test victory in 2005 against Zimbabwe. Under his captaincy Bangladesh defeated teams like India and Australia in ODIs in 2004 and 2005 respectively. While in World Cup 2007, under his captaincy Bangladesh tasted glory against India and South Africa.

8. Bashar-Whatmore regime: The era of Bashar-Whatmore is regarded as the turning point in Bangladesh cricket. It was under their leadership that the team put up some memorable performances. The highlight of their regime was the way they instilled unity among the experienced and junior set of players. They made the team believe that they can win matches against top nations.

9. Mr. Fifty: Bashar was renowned as Mr. Fifty during his playing days. He ended up his Test career with 24 half-centuries which is the most by a Bangladeshi in the longer versions of the game. While in ODIs he has 14 half-centuries to his credit. He didn’t cross the three figure mark in ODIs.

10. Role model: Habibul idolizes the former Indian skipper Mohammad Azharuddin as his role model.

11. ICL stint: He had also featured in the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL). In the league he had led Dhaka Gladiators and the ICL Bangladesh XI.

12. Bangladesh selector: Presently he is a part of the Bangladeshi selection panel. He has ensured that the most competitive players take the field for Bangladesh and that has certainly reflected in the results they have been able to obtain in the last 1-year or so.

13. UNICEF: Habibul Bashar was also a national Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF in Bangladesh.