The list of Bangladesh’s top 10 youngest cricketers in Test matches highlights players debuting in their teens, with talents like Mohammad Ashraful, Alok Kapali, and Mushfiqur Rahim making early international appearances.
1. Mohammad Sharif (15 Years And 128 Days)
Mohammad Sharif was a right-arm fast bowler hailing from Dhaka. He made his ODI debut in 2001 against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. At just 15 years and 128 days old, he became the third youngest cricketer to make his Test debut that same year. Sharif played his final Test match against Sri Lanka in 2007, concluding his career with a total of 14 wickets across 10 Test matches.
2. Talha Jubair (16 Years And 223 Days)
Talha Jubair, a former fast bowler for Bangladesh, was regarded as one of the most promising talents in the early 2000s. Unfortunately, he struggled to make the most of his potential and often found himself sidelined from the team. He made his Test debut at just 16 years old, becoming the second youngest Bangladeshi Test cricketer, in a match against Sri Lanka in 2002.
3. Enamul Haq Junior (16 Years And 320 Days)
Next on the list is Enamul Haq Junior, a left-arm orthodox bowler. He made his Test match debut against England in 2003 at the Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka, becoming the third-youngest player to do so at just 16 years and 320 days old. His final Test match was against Zimbabwe in 2013.
4. Mohammad Ashraful (17 Years And 61 Days)
Mohammad Ashraful, one of Bangladesh’s most gifted cricketers, is the next to be highlighted on the list. Renowned for his remarkable talent, he delivered a stunning century against a formidable Sri Lankan bowling attack in 2001. He made his Test debut at just 17 years old against Sri Lanka that same year. Unfortunately, his inconsistent performances and involvement in other controversies ultimately led to him losing his spot in the playing eleven.
5. Nazmul Hossain (17 Years And 73 Days)
Nazmul Hossain was a right-handed off-spinner renowned for his skill in containing runs and taking key wickets, especially in one-day internationals. He made his Test debut in 2004 against India at the age of 17 years and 73 days. His next and final Test appearance came against Pakistan in 2011, making him a participant in only two Test matches for Bangladesh.
6. Mushfiqur Rahim (18 Years And 17 Days)
Next on the list is Mushfiqur Rahim, former Bangladesh captain and their most successful wicketkeeper-batter. He made his Test debut at the age of 18 against England in 2005 and has since played 82 Tests, scoring 5,235 runs at an average of 37.93, with nine centuries and twenty-five half-centuries to his credit.
7. Mashrafe Mortaza (18 Years And 34 Days)
Mashrafe Mortaza is an unforgettable figure in Bangladesh cricket. As the nation’s most successful captain and a remarkable bowler, he made his Test debut in 2001 against Zimbabwe at just 18 years old, taking 78 wickets over his 36-match Test career. His final Test match was played in 2009 against the West Indies.
8. Ranjan Das (18 Years And 119 Days)
Ranjan Das, a left-arm fast bowler from Dhaka, was part of Bangladesh’s Test team for their inaugural match against India in 2000. At just 18 years and 119 days old, he made his Test debut in that historic game. Sadly, it turned out to be his only international appearance, as inconsistent performances in domestic cricket prevented him from securing a place in the national team again.
9. Najmul Hossain Shanto (18 Years And 148 Days)
Next, we have Najmul Hossain Shanto, a left-handed top-order batsman who made his Test debut in 2017 against New Zealand at just 18 years old. To date, he has played 19 Test matches, accumulating 913 runs at an average of 26.08, including two centuries and two half-centuries.
10. Alok Kapali (18 Years And 208 Days)
Alok Kapali, a former all-rounder from Sylhet, Bangladesh, was a right-handed batter and right-arm leg break bowler. He made his Test debut in 2002 against Sri Lanka at the age of 18 years and 208 days, and played his final Test match in 2006, also against Sri Lanka, in Chattogram.