Mehedi Hasan Miraz had already entered the history book of Bangladesh cricket after helping achieve a nail-biting win against India in the first ODI.
The all-rounder almost single handedly won the first match from the jaws of defeat, which will be remembered as one of the most memorable wins for many years.
If that 38-run innings was a trailer for Miraz's batting masterclass, then his unbeaten hundred (100 off just 83 deliveries with eight fours and four sixes) Wednesday was the full show, and it was a stunning display indeed.
It was a perfect ODI innings from Miraz as he became only the second batsman in ODI history to score a hundred batting at No 8 or in lower position, the other batsman being Ireland's Simi Singh, who also hit an unbeaten century batting at the same position against South Africa in 2021.
When he came out to bat Bangladesh were 69/6, and India bowlers were on top.
A rebuild was needed then and he did his part by rebuilding the innings with Mahmudullah.
Simultaneously, he scored ones and twos and dispatched bad balls to the boundary to keep the scoreboard ticking along.
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And finally when it was time to slog, he unleashed his power hitting to complete a remarkable ODI century, even after losing Mahmudullah at the other end.
Miraz played brilliantly throughout his entire knock, but the way he batted in the last two overs of the innings was something more than extraordinary.
The three boundaries that he struck in the 49th over were superb.
The first one was driven towards cover while dancing down the track, the second was hammered again through cover, which looked a better shot to the first, and the third was kind of a reverse scoop over the third man.
It made for great viewing and spectators were ecstatic with this kind of class power-hitting from the little man.
Miraz's two sixers over mid wicket against Shardul Thakur in the last over was majestic as both of them sailed to the erupting crowd to get him close to his maiden century.
And his last ball single to complete his ton was the icing of the cake as the all-rounder carried on his brilliant form with the willow.
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This kind of innings will surely help Miraz to establish himself as a proper batsman, rather than being considered as bowling all-rounder who can only bat occasionally.
It was a mesmerizing display of ODI batting considering the match situation, the pressure and the opponents' good spells.
Just prior to the second ODI, Tigers head coach Russel Domingo was asked whether Miraz can replace Shakib and become an integral player in future.
Domingo said a player like Shakib is always rare in world cricket as it's really very difficult to find a player who can contribute both as a genuine batsman and bowler at the same time, like the legendary Jacques Kallis.
But Domingo also said, if anyone can replace him and can become the next Shakib or close to him, then it will be Miraz.
Such confidence from the team management is giving Miraz immense confidence not only in his bowling but in his batting as well, which is reflecting in recent months.
Now it's time for Miraz to break out from his shadow and properly establish himself as a batsman, and the future certainly looks bright at the moment.
