Veteran Bangladesh all-rounder Mahmudullah has now been overlooked for four consecutive series or tournaments, this time in the 17-man Asia Cup 2023 squad, leaving many to wonder whether he has already played his last One Day International in a red and green jersey. If that be the case, we can applaud the impressive 218-ODI career of the experienced campaigner and take a lookback at three of his finest knocks in a Bangladesh jersey.
103 against England in Adelaide, 2015
Mahmudullah created history for the Tigers in the 2015 World Cup match against England in Adelaide, Australia by scoring 103. It was the first ever hundred by a Bangladeshi in the World Cup. Bangladesh were struggling after losing their openers early in the game. Mahmudullah, who batted at No 4 then, steadied the innings with a calm approach and formed a good partnership with Soumya Sarkar for the fourth wicket. Even after the loss of Soumya and Shakib al Hasan’s wickets, Mahmudullah anchored the innings alongside Mushfiqur Rahim (89) and put up enough runs on the board for the Bangladesh bowlers to defend. Mahmudullah’s patient yet mesmerizing 103-run knock came to a halt in the 46th over but by that time, he had already made history for the Tigers. Later, Bangladesh won by 15 runs following a sizzling bowling effort, particularly by Rubel Hossain in the death overs. Mahmudullah’s solid knock earned him the man of the match award, and Bangladesh a famous win that saw the Three Lions knocked out of the 2015 World Cup.
128* against New Zealand in Hamilton, 2015
In the very next match, Mahmudullah struck another brilliant century, this time against New Zealand in Hamilton. Co-hosts New Zealand were high flying in the World Cup, playing some exciting cricket throughout the tournament and eventually became one of the title contenders. Just after knocking England out and achieving a famous victory, Bangladesh were on the verge of another historical win riding on yet another stunning Mahmudullah ton. The Kiwis were off to a brilliant start as Trent Boult removed both the openers within the first 10 overs. Mahmudullah stitched together a 90-run stand with Soumya for the fourth wicket and then accelerated his innings to help the Tigers go close to 300. Mahmudullah was unbeaten till the end with a score of 128 off 123 balls with a dozen fours and three sixes as Bangladesh finished on 288/7. The Black Caps held their nerve in the end and reached the target with seven balls to spare but Bangladesh gave a tough fight. Although Bangladesh lost by three wickets, Mahmudullah’s heroic innings was applauded by all and sundry.
102* against New Zealand in Cardiff, 2017
The unforgettable partnership between Mahmudullah and Shakib against New Zealand in Cardiff during the 2017 Champions Trophy is registered in the cricketing folklore of Bangladesh cricket. The Tigers knocked the Kiwis out of the tournament and qualified for the semi-final with the victory. Shakib and Mahmudullah both scored centuries in that game and although Shakib was adjudged man of the match, Mahmudullah was equally brilliant during the chase and that hundred is definitely one of the best innings in his ODI career. Chasing 266 runs to win, the Tigers were in all sorts of trouble as they lost four wickets for just 33 runs in 12 overs when Mahmudullah came out to bat. New Zealand pace bowling duo Tim Southee and Boult were bowling with fire until Mahmudullah-Shakib took the charge. These two added 224 and stunned the Black Caps with a dominant display of batting and counter-attacking shots all around the park. Shakib scored 114 off 155 before getting out but Mahmudullah was unbeaten on 102 off 107 with eight fours and a couple of sixes to seal a win for the ages.
