Bangladesh batsman Mahmudullah’s celebration following his match-winning unbeaten century against New Zealand at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff on Friday left many guessing as to what it meant. Mahmudullah upon reaching his third ODI hundred first bowed down facing the direction of Mecca before showing his bat towards the dressing room.
Mahmudullah displayed an autograph on his bat that was apparently signed by “someone special”. Many were left wondering if it was someone from the dressing room that he was indicating, perhaps one of his colleagues had signed the bat to make it a lucky charm.
However, what the Tigers cricketer had really indicated was that the historical bat, with which he scored the magnificent undefeated hundred, was signed by his six-year old son, Raeid, who had told father Mahmudullah to play with that particular willow in the multi-nation event.The 31-year old had come into the eighth edition of the tournament backed by not so happy memories from the recent past.
During Bangladesh’s tour of Sri Lanka in March-April this year, Mahmudullah was at the centre of much drama over his selection in the national team. The Bangladesh think-tank was mulling dropping the cricketer not only from the playing XI but also from the squad, citing his form.
But within just two months of that unfortunate episode, Mahmudullah rose to the occasion when Bangladesh needed him the most. The Tigers made a shaky start in pursuit of 266 runs, reeling on 33/4, before Mahmudullah and ace all-rounder Shakib al Hasan took charge. The fifth wicket stand posted a record 224 and in the process, both ended up scoring centuries.
Shakib hammered 114 while Mahmudullah remained not out on 102.
Thursday, June 04, 2026
