Mushy ‘not a big guy’, but flexes his skills
It can often be Mushfiqur Rahim who arises with a large and crucial rating to save your day for Bangladesh. And that's what transpired once again yesterday at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur as the Tigers took a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series by defeating Sri Lanka by 33 runs.
The diminutive wicketkeeper-batsman smashed an 87-ball 84 to greatly help Bangladesh post a competitive 257 for six prior to the visitors were bundled out for 224 in 48.1 overs.
Mushfiqur came directly into bat after 12.1 overs. And after 23 overs, Bangladesh were on 99 for four and reeling from the loss of Tamim Iqbal and Mohammad Mithun in back-to-again deliveries.
From there, a calm and collected Mushfiqur strung together a crucial 109-go fifth-wicket stand with Mahmudullah Riyad to revive the innings.
Asked what the mantra was behind this sort of a knock, Mushfiqur said he trapped to his strengths and didn't try to force the issue.
"I am not a large guy, not a Pollard or Russell," chuckled a delighted Mushfiqur during the post-match presentation ceremony. "I stuck to my strengths, got my time. I had to hold one end safe and that is what I did. The finishing feel from Riyad and Afif [Hossain] was exceptional. These conditions aren't ideal for play. It's not simply hot, the humidity requires a lot out of you but credit to your players," continued Mushfiqur.
Mushfiqur, who batted for just two hours and then continued to hold wickets on a good scorching Dhaka day time, was humble found in crediting his compatriots for the triumph.
"It wasn't a simple wicket to bat in. When Shakib and Liton received out early, there was pressure. Tamim batted very well, allowed me to have my time. And Riyad bhai was great," added the 34-year-old.
Despite Tamim's fifty at the very top, Bangladesh shed their way in the centre before fifties from Mushfiqur, Mahmudullah and cameos from Mohammad Saifuddin and Afif Hossain helped the Tigers get yourself a competitive score on the plank.
"Happy with just how we fought. Mushfiqur, Mahmudullah were superb. Young Afif batted superbly. We have a decent work scoring 250 because it was two-paced. Absolutely good to make contact with winning ways. Losing is usually no fun, we misplaced 10 games across platforms in a row. Winning is contentment. Still got two game titles, hope to keep on with this," Tamim said following the match.
Spinner Mehedi Hasan Miraz was the most impressive with the ball, scalping 4 crucial wickets in the centre to break the trunk of Sri Lanka's chase. Miraz finished with figures of four for 30 in 10 overs that included two maidens, Mustafizur Rahman continuing his good variety from IPL as the left-arm paceman picked up three for 34 in his 9 overs.
