Mushy ‘not a big guy’, but flexes his skills

It is often Mushfiqur Rahim who comes up with a big and crucial score to save the day for Bangladesh. And that is what transpired once again yesterday at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur as the Tigers took a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series by defeating Sri Lanka by 33 runs.

The diminutive wicketkeeper-batsman smashed an 87-ball 84 to help Bangladesh post a competitive 257 for six before the visitors were bundled out for 224 in 48.1 overs.

Mushfiqur came in to bat after 12.1 overs. And after 23 overs, Bangladesh were on 99 for four and reeling from the loss of Tamim Iqbal and Mohammad Mithun in back-to-back deliveries.

From there, a calm and collected Mushfiqur strung together a crucial 109-run fifth-wicket stand with Mahmudullah Riyad to revive the innings.

Asked what the mantra was behind such a knock, Mushfiqur said he stuck to his strengths and did not try to force the issue.

"I am not a big guy, not a Pollard or Russell," chuckled a delighted Mushfiqur during the post-match presentation ceremony. "I stuck to my strengths, took my time. I had to keep one end safe and that's what I did. The finishing touch from Riyad and Afif [Hossain] was superb. These conditions aren't ideal for play. It's not just hot, the humidity takes a lot out of you but credit to our players," continued Mushfiqur.

Mushfiqur, who batted for two hours and then went on to keep wickets on a scorching Dhaka day, was humble in crediting his compatriots for the victory.

"It wasn't an easy wicket to bat on. When Shakib and Liton got out early, there was pressure. Tamim batted well, allowed me to take my time. And then Riyad bhai was superb," added the 34-year-old.

Despite Tamim's fifty at the top, Bangladesh lost their way in the middle before fifties from Mushfiqur, Mahmudullah and cameos from Mohammad Saifuddin and Afif Hossain helped the Tigers get a competitive score on the board.

"Happy with the way we fought. Mushfiqur, Mahmudullah were superb. Young Afif batted superbly. We did a decent job scoring 250 because it was two-paced. Definitely good to get back to winning ways. Losing is no fun, we lost 10 games across formats in a row. Winning is happiness. Still got two games, hope to continue this," Tamim said after the match.

Spinner Mehedi Hasan Miraz was the most impressive with the ball, scalping four crucial wickets in the middle to break the back of Sri Lanka's chase. Miraz finished with figures of four for 30 in 10 overs that included two maidens, Mustafizur Rahman continued his good form from IPL as the left-arm paceman picked up three for 34 in his 9 overs.