In the innings, Mushfiqur was patient as he faced 421 deliveries and struck 18 boundaries and one over boundary
Wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim dedicated his second Test double ton to wife Jannatul Kifayet and reasoned it a result of his hard work and changed mindset.
The 31-year-old Mushfiqur characteristically is one of the reserved ones in the Bangladesh dressing room and keeps to himself when he fails to perform on the field. On Monday Mushfiqur was pivotal to Bangladesh’s 522 runs as the right-handed batsman added a record unbeaten 219 runs to the total.
“I want to dedicate my innings to my wife. She inspired me in many ways, especially yesterday. It was also my first hundred in Mirpur so it is a happy occasion for me,” said Mushfiqur to the media at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Monday.
In the innings, Mushfiqur was patient as he faced 421 deliveries and struck 18 boundaries and one over boundary. The super-dedicated Bangladesh batsman emerged as the highest scorer in a Test innings in the format for the country and as the only wicketkeeper-batsman to reach the landmark twice. He also took the record of facing the most number of balls in an innings as a Bangladesh batsman.
“I never took undue risks in this innings, which was significant for me. I had a big innings without playing some of my favorite shots. It has given me more belief,” said Mushfiqur.
Mushfiqur reached the milestone in the 154th over of the Bangladesh innings and ran to the media end of the venue with his arms spread wide and with fingers shaped as a heart as he threw a kiss towards the heavens.
Explaining his celebration an emotional Mushfiqur said, “I had planned that if I can reach that score, I would celebrate in this manner. I dedicate this hundred to my wife. You know that I can feel down at times, so her presence is very important for me. My mobile wallpaper is my son’s photo. Seeing him smiling makes me feel all better.”
2ND TEST, DAY 2
BANGLADESH 1ST INNINGS R B
Liton c Mavuta b Jarvis 9 35
Imrul c Chakabva b Jarvis 0 16
Mominul c Chari b Chatara 161 247
Mithun c Taylor b Jarvis 0 4
Mushfiq not out 219 421
Taijul c Chakabva b Jarvis 4 10
Mahmudullah c Chakabva b Jarvis 36 110
Ariful c Chari b Jarvis 4 18
Miraz not out 68 102
Extras (b 9, lb 8, nb 3, w 1) 21
Total (160 Overs) 522/7d
Fall Of Wickets
1-13 (Imrul), 2-16 (Liton), 3-26 (Mithun), 4-292 (Mominul), 5-299 (Taijul), 6-372 (Mahmudullah), 7-378 (Ariful)
Bowling
Jarvis 28-6-71-5, Chatara 22.2-12-34-1, Tiripano 24.4-6-65-1, Raza 22-1-111-0, Williams 30-4-80-0, Mavuta 31-1-137-0, Masakadza 2-0-7-0
ZIMBABWE 1ST INNINGS R B
Masakadza c Miraz b Taijul 14 44
Chari not out 10 48
Tiripano not out 0 16
Extras (b 1) 1
Total (18 Overs) 25/1
Fall Of Wickets
1-20 (Masakadza)
Bowling
Mustafizur 6-4-11-0, Khaled 5-3-6-0, Taijul 5-3-5-1, Miraz 2-1-2-0
Zimbabwe trail by 497 runs
Source: Dhaka Tribune.
