Was Mahmudullah’s celebration just to prove a point?

Mahmudullah Riyad's inclusion to the Bangladesh World Cup squad had been a dramatic one as the experienced campaigner got back into the side during the New Zealand series at home. Yesterday he hit a magnificent run-a-ball 111 but it also appeared to be a message to his critics, even as it came during a losing cause against the Proteas at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai on Tuesday.

The 36-year-old was dropped from the ODI side after the home series against England however the selectors informed that they have rested Mahmudullah without giving any further explanation.

There were questions over his agility as Mahmudullah was seen working alone on his fitness and batting in Mirpur when the Tigers were busy playing international series.

Known as the 'silent killer' Mahmudullah missed out three bilateral series along with the Asia Cup before he was eventually called up during the home series against New Zealand. The 37-year-old immediately made his mark top scoring with 49 runs against the Kiwis even as the Tigers faced a batting collapse and lost the game by 86 runs.

The battle to regain his place in the side had been a success and his contributions so far in the World Cup have been notable. Yet while, the veteran's innings had garnered praise and helped Bangladesh avoid a more humiliating defeat yesterday, his celebration after the ton also raised questions about whether it was done to prove a point despite the fact that the team's defeat was inevitable.

The feeling of proving a point was there when Mahmudullah attended the press conference later.

When asked on how he kept himself motivated during that tough period he replied, "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 it. All I can say is that, I wanted to contribute to the team. I would have liked to contribute more so that we won the game."

Mahmudullah had to contend with a difficult role down the order in recent times and he felt he had to find the strength to keep playing that role.

"I have seen a lot of ups and downs throughout my career. (Batting down the order) is fine. I don't know. Probably The Almighty has given me the strength to keep going. I tried to keep my fitness in shape. I kept working hard. That's all I can do," said Mahmudullah.

Talking about being out of the side, especially after reaching this stage of his career Mahmudullah said with a smile, "I think there was a little too much rest for me. It was not in my control. It was the decision of the team management. If I can do my job honestly, it is good enough for me and the team."

Although Mahmudullah did not want to reveal the actual meaning of his celebration after reaching his hundred where he was seen thanking the almighty. He also thanked those who supported him during his tough time.

"I want to thank those among you who supported me, and those who didn't support me. I would have celebrated more wildly if we had won," he concluded.