Nehal Hasnain

Hasnain first came into prominence during the 1980-81 season while playing for the Surjo Tarun team. His efforts helped the newly promoted team cause a big upset by defeating Bangladesh Biman . His performances impressed the national selectors, and he was included in the Central Zone team to play the touring MCC side at Mymensingh in January 1981. However, it was a disappointing debut for him, as he made 0 and 6 in the match. In fact, despite his continuous success in the domestic arena; he initially failed at the international level. when he failed in the 3 day match against the spinners of WB in early 1983, many pundits questioned his temperament. But, then he came back strongly during the 1983-84 season. [2]

In Dec. 1983, Nehal toured west Bengal with the Bangladesh cricket team, led by Raquibul Hasan. Then In January 1984, he played in the 1st SEA cricket tournament. Initially, he was tried in the unfamiliar opening slot and struggled, but after moving to his familiar position in the middle order he delivered. First he scored 67* against Singapore, sharing a 149 run stand with Belal (75*). Then in the final against HK, Nehal (32) contributed in Bangladesh's 3 wicket victory. In Feb. Nehal had a disappointing tour to Kenya with the national team. He, like a few other top order Bangladeshi batsmen, failed to cope with the extra bounce of the Nairobi wickets.[2]

[1]

Throughout the 1st half of the 1980s, Nehal performed consistently in the Dhaka league. Apart from Surjo Tarun, he enjoyed successful spells with Abahani and Bangladesh Biman. He also made his mark in the national cricket championship. During 1983-85 he won 3 successive national titles. In 1983, he was the MoM as Sylhet defeated Dhaka in the final. In 1984 and 1985, he won the title with Dhaka University. In 1984, he played under the captaincy of Lipu. In 1985, he was the successful captain, as DU defeated Barisal, led by Lipu, in the final, both Nehal and Tariquzzaman Munir scored hundred for DU.[2]