It was back on February 20 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Bangladesh collapsed to 35 for 5 against India in an ICC Champions Trophy group-stage match. In that situation, a 24-year-old Bangladeshi batter stood tall with his bat.
Towhid Hridoy responded smartly, negotiating every threat posed by the Indian bowlers. He built a marathon 154-run partnership for the sixth wicket, facing 206 balls. Even while limping and struggling to stand due to severe cramps, his running between the wickets slowed down under the scorching UAE heat. But he refused to give in.
Despite the cramps, Hridoy scored his maiden ODI century. His 100 off 118 balls came on a day when the top order had failed miserably. The effort, however, went in vain as India chased down 229 with six wickets to spare. Still, Hridoy’s knock was a display of grit and character when Bangladesh needed him most.
Since that innings, how many times has Hridoy produced something memorable in white-ball cricket? A couple of fifties during the ODI series in Sri Lanka last July. But in T20Is, his form has dipped quite drastically. His last fifty came on October 12, 2024, against India.
Since then, across 15 innings, he has not managed another fifty. Although he had some 30-odd innings, none looked convincing or reflected a proper T20 approach.
Fast forward to the ongoing Asia Cup. Hridoy began with 35* off 36 balls against Hong Kong in Abu Dhabi. His cautious innings was heavily criticized, as he failed to accelerate despite being set.
In the second match against Sri Lanka, he survived a chance after a miscued leading edge to Charith Asalanka. But the very next ball, he was run out at the non-striker’s end by Kamil Mishara’s direct hit while pushing for a third run. His innings ended at 8.
In the do-or-die clash against Afghanistan, Hridoy managed 26 off 20 balls, again leaving questions about his approach and intent.
For Hridoy, it is no longer just about scoring runs. His intent at the crease is now under scrutiny. When your No. 4 batter fails to deliver, the whole team suffers. In this Asia Cup, Hridoy has been the missing link in Bangladesh’s middle overs.
The Abu Dhabi leg of Bangladesh’s campaign is over. Thanks to Sri Lanka’s win against Afghanistan, the Tigers are through to the Super Four. Now they face Sri Lanka, India, and Pakistan, with all matches to be played in Dubai. Litton Das and his men will want to make the most of this chance, and so will Hridoy.
Dubai has been a lucky ground for him before. If he can rediscover his form here, perhaps Dubai will turn into a lucky venue for Bangladesh as well. Who knows?
