The intent for such keen following was quite obviously evident. The Tigers have just returned from a successful World Cup campaign and this being the first performance since their heady Caribbean sojourn, the interest was even more drummed up than usual.

It was a view mirrored by Maruf, one of the many in the crowd. His face painted in the red and green, the young man and his group of equally cricket-mad friends had a lot to say.

"Our boys have just returned after conquering the giants of India and South Africa at the World Cup. It is now our duty to give them the support they deserve."

Not that it wasn't their duty beforehand as his companion, decked out in similar face paintings, was quick to point out.

"We have always supported our team through thick and thin. Now we can finally stand up to be counted. The team should feel that the crowd is fully behind them."

Passing showers delayed the start of the game by about an hour but that did little to dampen the spirits of the enthusiasts for whom the late start only served as a positive as it allowed time for the stadium to be filled to the brim before the start of play.

And the perceptible roar that rang across the stadium when Zaheer Khan charged in to bowl the first ball of the match to Tamim Iqbal was evidence enough of the kind of adulations that the Tigers enjoy.

The fans were of all kinds. Some more savvy than others, numerous made up with some form of graffiti but all joined under one banner united in their belief that Bangladesh had turned a new leaf and would thus turn over the Indians.

"We are going to beat the Indians today and show them what real Tigers are made of," was the statement from a bullish looking Rajib. The fixated stares of his companions told a similar story.

Say what you will but the support could not be faulted. Even the women had turned up in droves. Reeva, one such amongst many who had turned up to watch how her favourite Mushfiqur Rahim would favour against the team "that he had beat single-handedly in the World Cup."

There was also a dark side to the story as some fans complained that they had to purchase tickets in the black market and even had to bribe the guards at the gate to get in.

But regardless of the complaints they were all packed up side by side, shoulder to shoulder, men and women alike, crowding the turnstiles backed up almost to the stairs leading to it, the stadium packed to the rafters.

The end though was one of disappointment as the Tigers capitulated from a good position to ultimately go down by five wickets.

The crowd got a bit rowdy towards the end with bottles thrown expressing their disappointment, better avenues of which should be found in order to portray a more wholesome image to the international audience.

However, the support was unceasing and even when Syed Rasel stepped up to bowl what turned out to be the last over, the crowd roared him at his run-up.

The match may have been lost but the Tigers fans could go home with their heads held high, sporting identical flag-printed bandanas, even if not wholly satisfied.

"We will be back," said Maruf. It was a thought advocated by most.