Bringing mixed sentiment home

ICC World Cup 2007 in West Indies was apparently the biggest success for Bangladesh in their cricket history, emerging qualified for the second round, after the nation experienced a nightmare in previous South Africa World Cup 2003.
Mohammad Ashraful-led Tigers, coached by Dave Whatmore, defeated big fishes like India and South Africa during the tournament.
World Cup 2007 had the biggest number of participants, 10 full-time and six associated nations. The Tigers managed to pass on to the second round of the tournament with India saying goodbye.
Slow left-arm bowler Abdur Razzak picked up 12 wickets in the entire tournament while skipper Ashraful was the top-scorer for the team.
On Bangladesh's inaugural match in 2007 World Cup against India on March 17 at Port of Spain, charismatic bowlers pinned down the Indian batting line-up and packed them at 191 runs. In reply the Tigers reached the target losing only five wickets. The breathtaking victory came at 49th over. Fast bowler Mashrafe Mortaza picked up four wickets while Razzak and Mohammad Rafique took three wickets each. Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan scored half centuries.
On March 21, 2007 Bangladesh faced Sri Lanka at Port of Spain. Lankan batsmen devastated the charged up Bangladeshi bowling platoon by scoring 318 runs for four wickets. The Duckworth-Lewis Method had to be applied in the game as monsoon washed the field. Bangladesh had to score 310 runs in 46 overs. The Tigers' batting were wiped out only at 112 runs. Sri Lanka hauled a big victory of 198 runs.
The last match of the group stage against Bermuda went easy on the Tigers. The rain washed game was held off 21 overs. Bangladesh packed the associated ICC nation at Port of Spain on March 25, 2007 at 94 runs. The Tigers reached the target at 18th over losing only three wickets. By gaining this victory, Bangladesh was through to the Super Eight session of the tournament.
At the second round of the World Cup, Bangladesh experienced a 10-wicket defeat against Australia at Antigua and Barbuda on March 31. The match was reduced to 22 overs due to wet outfield and ended in Bangladesh scoring 104 runs losing six wickets. Australian openers Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden took the charge and brought victory for the Super Eight's top point-holder.
Frustration continued on April 2, 2007 as Bangladesh took on New Zealand. The Tigers scored 174 runs off 48.3 overs. The Kiwis reached the target on the 30th over losing only one wicket. Bangladeshi batting line-up was devastated by Kiwi bowlers Scott Styris and Jacob Oram.
Determined Tigers showed full powered action against South Africa on April 7, 2007 at Georgetown. After scoring a fighting total of 251 runs losing eight wickets, Bangladesh simply destroyed the South African batting line-up. The Proteas were packed at 184 runs. Skipper Mohammad Ashraful scored 87 runs and Razzak, Syed Rasel and Sakib picked three, two and two wickets respectively.
Happiness did not linger long, as Bangladesh saw defeat against England at Bridgetown on April 11, 2007. Bangladeshi batsmen were wiped out at 143 runs. The English batsmen however took a while to reach the target, 44.5 overs, losing six wickets.
With a mixture of feeling in their mind and a certain victory to achieve, the Tigers faced Ireland on April 15, 2007 at Bridgetown. Irish batsmen built a hefty resistance by scoring 243 runs losing seven wickets. Bangladesh stumbled at 169 runs while chasing the target. Ireland received a 74-run victory. Millions of fans were disappointed by this specific defeat.
The Tigers' final match before returning home was against the host West Indies on April 19, 2007. The Caribbeans scored 230 runs losing five wickets. The entire top-order of Bangladeshi batting line-up collapsed to Corey Collymore and Daren Powell's first spell.
Bangladesh successfully went to the second round of the showcase event of the game by dismissing India and snatched a victory against South Africa. Meanwhile, the Tigers lost to Ireland. Bangladesh, playing their third world cup, brought a mixed sentiment home. The youngest full-time member of the ICC was tagged as the "Surprise Element" of the game, who were able to bring in such upsets like defeating India and South Africa, simultaneously could be defeated by the underdogs.