Zimbabwe’s retiring captain Hamilton Masakadza said Bangladesh holds a special place in his heart as he has played so many matches here, including the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League for local clubs.
Masakazda played his last innings for Zimbabwe Friday and led the team from the front with a superb 71-run innings to ensure victory over Afghanistan in their tri-nation T20I series match at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium.
The 36-year old received a guard of honor by players from both teams when he came out to bat and also received souvenirs after the game in the post-match presentation.
“Bangladesh is like a second home for me and holds special place in my heart. I have met so many people and friends here. I have also learned so many things from here. I really love people’s passion about the game. It’s really one thing that I have enjoyed. It has really been a blessing for me to come to Bangladesh for a number of times, and know the culture and people here,” said Masakadza during the post-match press conference in the port city Friday.
Retiring @ZimCricketv captain @HamiltonMasaka2 has heaped praise on @BCBtigers ODI skipper @mashrafebd, appreciating the impact the Tigers captain have had on Bangladesh cricket over a long period of time.https://t.co/rCoIalxEsM#BCBTIGERS #BCB #TIGERS #BANGLADESH #CRICKET #ZC
— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) September 20, 2019
In the end, Masakadza informed that there are no regrets in his life and that he is thankful for what he has achieved in his international career.
“I have gone through a lot of emotions [Friday]. But regret is not among them. I am more thankful to the Zimbabwe Cricket Board to give me the opportunity to play for Zimbabwe, to my teammates over the years, to my wife and family. And obviously thankful to God because without God nothing is possible,” he concluded.
Masakadza has played 38 Test matches, 209 ODIs and 66 T20Is, scoring 2,223, 5,658 and 1,662 runs respectively.
