Mohammad Javed Omar Belim, affectionately known as Golla, is a former cricketer from Bangladesh. Born and raised in the vibrant Bakshi Bazar neighborhood of Old Dhaka, Omar grew up in a family where cricket and football were always the topics of conversation. While he dabbled in both sports, it was the cricket bat and ball that captured his heart.
Omar’s journey in professional cricket began in the early 1990s when he became a regular in the club cricket scene. He quickly established himself as a talented player, known for his strong back-foot play and ability to swiftly hack and cut anything short and wide. However, it was his patience and perseverance at the crease that set him apart from his peers.
Although one-day cricket never suited Omar’s batting style, his skills were tailor-made for Test cricket. In 2001, he made his Test debut for Bangladesh against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. It was during this match that he achieved a remarkable feat – becoming the first batsman in the new millennium to carry his bat through an entire Test innings. Omar’s unbeaten 85 in the second innings showcased his ability to stabilize the top-order and see off the new-ball, a job that often went unfulfilled by Bangladeshi openers at the time.
In 2003, Omar recorded his only Test century, a score of 119 against Pakistan, which gave Bangladesh their first-ever first-innings lead in Tests. He also notched up four other Test fifties against Zimbabwe, South Africa, New Zealand, and India. Additionally, he displayed his tenacity and skill during the 2005 tour of England, scoring a gutsy 71 in tough conditions at Chester-Le-Street.
Despite his success in the longest format of the game, Omar faced challenges in one-day cricket. However, he still managed to contribute to the team with ten half-centuries, including a patient and sedate innings of 81 off 150 balls against England at Headingley in 2005. In 2007, he showcased his adaptability by playing a faster innings of 80 off 117 balls against India immediately after the World Cup.
Omar’s international career came to an end in 2007 after playing against Sri Lanka. Although he was unable to keep up with the pace of one-day cricket, he refused to retire and continued to play first-class and club cricket, extending a career that had started in the early 1990s. His determination to battle on is a reflection of the norm for cricketers in his country.
Throughout his career, Omar’s contributions to the Bangladesh team cannot be underestimated. He played a crucial role in stabilizing the top-order and setting the foundation for the team’s success. His dedication, patience, and ability to overcome criticism made him a valuable asset to Bangladesh cricket.
Today, Mohammad Javed Omar Belim remains a respected figure in the cricketing community. His achievements on the field have left a lasting impact and have helped pave the way for future generations of Bangladeshi cricketers.