A win for Bangladesh against Zimbabwe in the last ODI of the three-match series will be the 50th victory for Mashrafe bin Mortaza as captain.
Bangladesh are in full rhythm having won the first two matches to secure the series and will eye a clean sweep when they take on the visitor at Sylhet International Stadium Friday.
A defeat in the game however, is likely to see Mashrafe finish short of the milestone.
Mashrafe is likely to stand as Bangladesh ODI skipper for the last time as declared by Bangladesh Cricket Board president Nazmul Hasan.
In that regard, the board will look for a new leader following the series.
@BCBtigers captain Mashrafe bin Mortaza said the change of condition under lights had put his bowlers on the back foot and see a narrow escape against @ZimCricketv in the second ODI at Sylhet International Stadium Tuesday.https://t.co/Mmc3mItZUp#BCBTIGERS #BCB #TIGERS #ZIMBABWE
— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) March 4, 2020
Mashrafe since 2010 has led Bangladesh in ODIs in two parts and is the most successful, having won 49 times in 87 matches.
In his first tenure in 2010, the right-arm pacer led Bangladesh to three wins in seven matches - against England in Bristol, Ireland and then against New Zealand at home.
Following around three years of gap, Mashrafe was again given charge to lead Bangladesh in ODIs in 2014 and since then, he has led his side to 46 wins in 80 games.
Mashrafe with the achievement lingering is however, not thrilled.
“Personally it is nothing special for me but a big achievement for the team for winning these many matches. But it is nothing for me if you ask me. The next game will be like any other game. Will have the intention to win,” said Mashrafe to Dhaka Tribune Wednesday.
The change of schedule will now see @BCBtigers travel to @TheRealPCB for the last leg of the three part series on March 29, have two days of practice sessions before the ODI, to be played on April 1.https://t.co/C2QRUr2AkD#BCBTIGERS #BCB #TIGERS #BANGLADESHCRICKET #BANGLADESH
— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) March 4, 2020
Opening batsman Tamim Iqbal is however, thrilled with Mashrafe being on the verge of the milestone.
According to the left-handed batsman it is an achievement for the whole team, alongside Mashrafe.
“It is a big achievement for both Mashrafe and for the team. It is not easy to lead the team to 50 victories. It was once unimaginable for any of our captain. It is not only the 50 wins but everything that Mashrafe has done for our country will always be remembered,” said Tamim.
Mashrafe is followed by former Bangladesh captain Habibul Bashar in the list.
Now a member of the national selection panel, Bashar had led Bangladesh to 29 wins in 69 games during his tenure from 2004 to 2007.
