Syed Ashraful Haque is a former Bangladeshi cricketer. He was the architect of Bangladesh's first ever ICC Trophy victory, over Fiji in May 1979. His 7/23 from 9.1 overs completely destroyed the Fiji middle order, leading Bangladesh to a 22 run win. He was also a member of the Bangladesh side that played in the historic match at Dhaka against the MCC in January 1977. A right hand batsman and an off break bowler, Ashraf remained an integral part of the national side until his retirement in 1981–82 season.

Ashraful Haque
Personal information
Full name
Syed Ashraful Haque
NicknameBabu
BattingRight-handed
International information
National side
Domestic team information
YearsTeam
1970/71Dacca University
1969/70East Pakistan
1967/68East Pakistan Whites
Career statistics
Competition FC ICC Trophy
Matches 5 4
Runs scored 196 76
Batting average 49.00 19.00
100s/50s –/1 –/–
Top score 91 31
Balls bowled 360 218
Wickets 8 10
Bowling average 17.00 10.70
5 wickets in innings 1
10 wickets in match
Best bowling 3/23 7/23
Catches/stumpings 4/– –/–
Source: CricketArchive, 17 January 2011

ICC Trophy

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The Water Orton Cricket Club ground, in Birmingham, was the unlikely setting for Bangladesh's first-ever international cricket match abroad. On May 24, 1979, Bangladesh played against Fiji in the first ICC Trophy tournament. Bangladesh were the firm favorites, yet batting first they only scored 103 all out. An upset looked on the cards, until Syed Ashraf came on to bowl. The magic of his spin completely mesmerized the Pacific islanders. From 40/2, Fiji collapsed to 81 all out. It was at that time the best figures for a Bangladeshi bowler in international cricket, until Obaidul Haq Azam improved the figures with his 7/18 against the MCC. It was also the record for best bowling in the ICC Trophy. Ole Mortensen, the Danish and Derbyshire fast bowler improved the figures with 7/19 against Israel in Kenya, 1994.[1]

Ashraf had an impressive ICC Trophy with both bat and ball. He used his long experience in English conditions to great effect. As well as his success with the ball, he played several useful innings: 23 against Canada, 22 against Malaysia and 31 against Denmark.[2]

Other international matches

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He was a part of the Bangladesh team that played in the historical game against the MCC at Dhaka in January 1977. He failed in the match, but he did score 68 for East Zone at Chittagong. In fact, he seemed to have a special liking for Chittagong. A year later, against test standard Sri Lankan side he scored 42 and 49, and captured 2 wickets for 70 runs at Chittagong.[citation needed]

He retired from international cricket after the 1981–82 season.[citation needed]

In domestic cricket

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He played most of his club cricket at Dhaka with the Azad Boys club. In national cricket, he became the first player to score a double hundred, scoring 214 for Bangladesh Shipping Corporation in 1981–82 season.[citation needed]

As a cricket administrator

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Syed Ashraful Haque is currently the chief executive officer of the Asian Cricket Council.[citation needed]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "::: Star Weekend Magazine :::". Archived from the original on 22 February 2012. Retrieved 30 August 2007.: Rafiqul Ameer."Looking Back: Bangladesh Cricket in the 80's". (Retrieved on 2008-08-07).
  2. ^ "BanglaCricket". Archived from the original on 11 June 2008. Retrieved 7 August 2008. banglacricket scorecards ICC79 (Retrieved on 2008-08-07)