Bangladesh's campaign to be proud of
ESPNcricinfo staff
19-Mar-2015
Captain's impact: It was then the turn of their captain, Mashrafe Mortaza, to make the game safe by reducing Afghanistan to 3 for 3•Getty Images
Chasing big: In the game against Scotland, the fourth member of their senior quartet, Tamim Iqbal, delivered as they hunted down 319 to keep Bangladesh on course for qualification•Getty Images
Three figures: Next up was England, and at 99 for 4, things were looking bleak for Bangladesh. Yet again, they showed the resilience that marked this campaign, with Mahmudullah becoming the first Bangladeshi batsman to make a century, and putting on 141 for the fifth wicket with Mushfiqur Rahim•BCB
A Big Three scalp: The runs were on the board, but Bangladesh still had plenty to do as England moved to 121 for 2. Fast bowler Rubel Hossain first had England thinking of an early exit by removing the well-set Ian Bell and the captain Eoin Morgan in the space of four balls, before confirming that early exit with two more wickets in the penultimate over•ICC
Oh so close: Bangladesh had already qualified and were buoyant heading into their final league game, against the form team of the group, New Zealand. Mahmudullah's second successive century gave Bangladesh a solid score but they were outdone by Martin Guptill and a gritty lower-order in a tense game•Getty Images
Breaking new ground: In their first-ever knockout World Cup game, Bangladesh shook India's formidable batting in the first half of the innings. They also produced one of the tournament's most endearing moments when Mashrafe and teenager Taskin Ahmed tumbled to the floor after chest-bumping in celebration. The wheels came off when the batting Powerplay started though, and India powered to 302, which proved too tall a target.•Associated Press
A launch pad: After the quarter-final defeat, Mashrafe said, "Most of our players are just starting their careers and they should be very happy with their efforts and the fans should be happy as well." Bangladesh's passionate fans added plenty of colour and noise to the tournament, and will hope their team's spirited campaign will be the start of more big results•Getty Images