Mash defies illness with 4-wicket haul
'He's not human,' exclaimed Kalabagan Krira Chakra (KKC) coach Jalal Ahmed Chowdhury while referring to his captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza yesterday.
Mashrafe had put in a brilliant performance and finished with figures of 4 for 56 in ten overs, but that still wasn't enough to prevent KKC from losing their third consecutive match.
So why was an amazed Jalal keener to speak about Mashrafe rather than the defeat on the whole? That's because the Bangladeshi skipper played yesterday's game despite suffering from fever.
He was running a high temperature prior to the game and was initially not supposed to play the match. However, with KKC yet to win a match in the Dhaka Premier League, Mashrafe was adamant. He had taken his medicines in the morning and forced himself to play the game.
Under such dire circumstances, not to forget that Mashrafe's side had to bowl in extremely hot conditions in the morning, the skipper bowled an eight-over spell. He was the only one getting wickets and hence, he carried on.
“If it was anybody else, he would have sat out the game. But this is Mashrafe for you. What's sad is that the other players couldn't provide him with enough support. When your captain puts up such a brave effort, you expect your other players to get encouraged,” said Jalal.
What was even more surprising was that Mashrafe played the entire game without his leg-straps, devices he needs to wear since he is so prone to injuries.
The last time Mashrafe scalped a four-wicket haul in one-day cricket was back in January 2015 and prior to that he had recorded such a figure in September 2013.
KKC eventually were bundled out for 233 in pursuit of Prime Bank Cricket Club's 280. The skipper, who looked extremely tired after the match, left the stadium even before the post-match presentation had started.
He may have lost a few points when it comes to fitness levels over the last few years, however, his performance yesterday just goes on to show how he still possesses that hunger to win; and how that desire constantly brings out the best in him.
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