Wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim termed his century special as it inspired Bangladesh to their maiden ODI series win against Sri Lanka.
Riding on Mushfiq’s heroics, Bangladesh won the second ODI of the three-match series by 103 runs (Duckworth/Lewis method) against visitors Sri Lanka at Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium Tuesday.
Bangladesh had won the first game of the series by 33 runs Sunday at the same venue.
Bangladesh Tuesday batted first after winning the toss, but struggled early on losing wickets at regular intervals.
Mushfiq went to the crease with Bangladesh reeling on 15/2 in 1.4 overs, and emerged as the savior, scoring his eighth century in the format.
The right-handed batsman made 125 off 127 balls involving 10 boundaries and was complemented by Mahmudullah’s 41.
Mushfiq perished to Sri Lanka pacer Dushmantha Chameera with 11 balls remaining in the innings.
After 48.1 overs and losing 10 wickets, Bangladesh had posted 246 for the bowlers to defend.
“For me it is another century but it becomes special if my team win. So that way it is special and more because this is the first time we won a series against Sri Lanka. This will inspire me to do better in the coming days,” said Mushfiq at the post-match press conference Tuesday.
Bangladesh bowlers took to the driving seat in the rain-interrupted game as spinner Mehedi Hasan Miraz and pacer Mustafizur Rahman picked up three wickets each to dismantle the opposition.
When the game started for the last time after rain delay, Sri Lanka had lost 10 overs in the innings and were asked to chase 119 in just two overs as per the D/L method.
“A win is always special and when you contribute it feels great. I was very disappointed that I couldn't finish the game because 11 balls were left. We lost a couple of early wickets but it happens against the new ball. [Mahmudullah] Riyad batted really well and a couple of other guys chipped in. Our bowling was special,” said the diminutive batsman.
With experienced batters in the shape of opener Tamim Iqbal and Shakib al Hasan failing to contribute with the bat, the opportunity was magnificent for the others in Liton Das, Mosaddek Hossain or Afif Hossain to emerge as hero for the team.
But the "young ones" failed to deliver and Bangladesh found shoulders in two of their old attendants, Mushfiq and Mahmudullah.
Mushfiq shed light on the issue and said he would be happy if the young group can take lessons from such situations and learn quickly to be able to contribute for the team.
The right-handed batsman pressed that it becomes difficult when the pressure often comes to them.
“It is always a plus point for a team to have seven or eight performers. That way the team can come out from any situation. Players like Liton, Afif or Mosaddek had missed out on the opportunity. I think being more selective with the shots they could have produced better result. They have to read the wicket well, when to play a low-risk shot or a high-risk shot. I hope they will try to mature and I will be happy if they can learn quickly from this or else it becomes difficult when the pressure often comes on our [those experienced/seniors] shoulders. I hope they will start contributing soon and if they can do that, Bangladesh will become stronger as an ODI team,” Mushfiq explained.
