‘I’ve seen a lot of ups and downs’: Mahmudullah after his statement ton

Despite Mahmudullah Riyad's fourth ODI hundred Bangladesh went on to face a thrashing 149-run defeat against South Africa at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday. 

Chasing a mammoth 383-run target, Bangladesh top-order fell like a house of cards and at one stage the Tigers were reeling at 58 for five. Since then, it was Mahmudullah who fought the lone battle and went on to smash his third World Cup ton.

Before being dismissed for a run-a-ball 111, the veteran helped Bangladesh avoid humiliation since the Tigers were on course to suffer the biggest defeat in World Cup history. Eventually, Shakib Al Hasan's side were all out for 233. 

"I was talking to Shakib and Mushy (Mushfiqur Rahim) around the drinks break. On a good wicket, we were trying to lessen the damage when they were 238 in 40 overs. I think 320-330 was chaseable but it was a tough ask to chase 380-plus," Mahmudullah said after the match.  

"The bowlers tried hard but when Klaasen and Quinny (Quinton de Kock) were in rhythm it was hard to stop them," the 37-year-old added.

Since being dropped from the ODI side following the home series against England in March this year, the right-hander made a dramatic comeback during the New Zealand series and eventually made it to the World Cup squad. His century in Mumbai, therefore, came as a huge statement. 

"It was a good time. I can't say anything regarding that time. I do want to talk about a lot of things but this is not the right time to talk about.

"All I can say is that I wanted to contribute for the team. I would have liked to contribute more in a winning cause," he said. 

Mahmudullah dedicated his hundred to his family members and those who supported and also not supported him during his tough times. He was, however, also reluctant to comment over his position in the batting-order when asked whether he asked the team management to allow him bat up the order.  

"I tried to keep my fitness in shape. I kept working hard. That's all I can do. I have seen a lot of ups and downs throughout my career. (Batting down the order) is fine," said Mahmudullah.  

"Yesterday the coach (Chandika Hathurusingha) told me that I was batting at No 6. I went out there and played my game".

After facing fourth straight defeat in five games this World Cup, the question was there to Mahmudullah on what should be the goal for Bangladesh in the tournament. He replied, "There's no point thinking about outcomes now, whether we can reach semifinals or not. We get a win in the next game, we get some momentum for the next match. We are lacking in execution."