Mushfiqur Rahim Celebrates Century in His 100th Test Against Ireland

Post by : Mara Rahim

Bangladesh's cricketing icon Mushfiqur Rahim reached a significant milestone by scoring a century in his 100th Test match against Ireland at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. At 38, the wicketkeeper-batter, who first took the field in Test cricket back in 2005, became just the 11th player in the annals of cricket to accomplish this extraordinary feat, joining the ranks of legends like Colin Cowdrey, Javed Miandad, Ricky Ponting, Graeme Smith, Joe Root, and David Warner.

Beginning the second day at 99 not out, Rahim displayed his characteristic composure. He took his time, and when he finally completed his century with a single, the crowd erupted in applause, honoring a significant moment as he became the first Bangladeshi cricketer to play 100 Tests and score a century in this momentous match.

With the team struggling, Rahim played a pivotal role in stabilizing the innings. After losing three early wickets, he showed remarkable skill, facing 67 balls before striking his first boundary, which was a delightful inside-out drive off Matthew Humphreys. He reached his fifty by sending the first ball of the third session to the boundary, underscoring his focus and elegance.

Blending caution with aggression, Rahim enjoyed a thrilling partnership with the bat. He hit a sweep off Humphreys for four runs and dispatched a leg-spinner delivery from Gavin Hoey to the boundary. As he neared the nineties, he displayed careful shot selection and remained calm, ultimately concluding his innings on 106 runs after misjudging a delivery from Humphreys. This landmark moment has had a lasting impact on the history of Bangladesh cricket.

Set against a backdrop of a pre-match ceremony attended by family and former captains Akram Khan and Habibul Bashar, Rahim's achievement was even more remarkable. His innings not only added to his personal milestones but also provided the backbone to Bangladesh's innings, instilling confidence in his teammates.

Rahim's century serves as a testament to his two-decade-long career characterized by patience, resilience, and exceptional skill. His status as the first Bangladeshi player to score a century in his 100th Test highlights his unwavering commitment and significant impact on Bangladesh cricket. His performance is celebrated as a masterclass in temperament and consistency by fans and cricket analysts alike.