The year of Bangladesh
And a year of many firsts: a World Cup quarter-final appearance, series wins over Pakistan, India and South Africa, and the unearthing of a bowling star

Mustafizur Rahman: Bangladesh's new hero (he bowls left-arm, but not spin) • AFP
Beating Pakistan and India had the emotional element of triumphing over subcontinent rivals, but the series win over South Africa was much more significant because of how poorly Bangladesh have played against them historically. The voodoo was lifted with two comprehensive wins.
Bangladesh's increasingly standoffish attitude towards Test cricket could have been dealt a serious challenge if Australia had decided to go on with their tour.
From the south-western edge of Bangladesh emerged a once-in-a-generation talent called Mustafizur Rahman. He shocked India and then ensured his 13 wickets in that series wasn't a fluke by keeping South Africa under check with orthodox left-arm fast skills, not just his slower balls and cutters.
Shahadat Hossain's selection for the second Test against Pakistan in May this year came as a surprise. He wasn't a regular in domestic cricket, but it was his lack of fitness that cut short his comeback. He fell over bowling the second ball, hurt his right knee, which was further damaged when he tried to bowl in the lunch break. Four months later, he and his wife were charged with allegedly assaulting a housemaid, and Shahadat was arrested in October. He was granted bail in December, but the case will be long drawn out and it is more than likely that the May Test will be his last.
Zimbabwe are scheduled to play a Test in January before Bangladesh host the Asia Cup T20s and then go to India for the World T20. They will return to India in August to play their maiden Test in the country before hosting England for a full series in October.
Mohammad Isam is ESPNcricinfo's Bangladesh correspondent. @isam84