ZCZC
BSP-15
CRICKET-MUSHFIQ-ZIMBABWE-BOWLING
Zimbabwe’s bowling was not challenging: Mushfiqur
DHAKA, Feb 24, 2020 (BSS)-Zimbabwe’s bowling was not challenging enough
to test the batsmen’s ability, said Bangladesh’s experienced batsman
Mushfiqur Rahim who struck a 203 not out to leave the visitors at bay on day
three of the one-off Test at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on
Monday.
Mushfiqur said after completing his century, a thought of double century
came into his head, largely due to the condition and Zimbabwe’s bowling.
“After completing the century, what struck my mind was that if I can
keep up the patience and concentration, I could end up hitting a double
century here,” Mushfiqur Rahim said after the day three’s play.
“The wicket was quite good to bat on. Normally we don’t get such sort of
wicket here. And to be honest, Zimbabwe’s bowling was not challenging
enough.”
It was however Mushfiqur’s third double century and in the process, he
also became the highest run-getter for Bangladesh in Test cricket with 4413,
eclipsing Tamim Iqbal, who has 4405 runs now under his belt.
No other batsman hit more than one double century for Bangladesh apart
from Mushfiqur Rahim. In fact only two batsmen-Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim
Iqbal hit double centuries for Bangladesh.
Thanks to Mushfiqur’s 203 not out, which was also complemented by
skipper Mominul Haque’s 132, Bangladesh declared their first innings on 560-
6, taking 295-run lead over Zimbabwe who was bowled out for 265 in first
innings.
Bangladesh then reduced Zimbabwe to 9-2 at the end of day three and
closed in on a victory.
After hitting the century, Mushfiqur Rahim’s celebration was muted but
he made a wild gesture upon reaching his double century. It seemed, he wanted
someone to be frightened by the celebration.
Mushfiqur later disclosed the celebration was for his two-year old son
Shahruz Rahim Mayan, whom he dedicated the double century.
He said Mayan likes Dinosaur very much, for which he wanted to scare
Mayan by his wild celebration.
“Actually Mayan likes Dinosaur. Therefore I tried to scare him with a
wild gesture like Dinosaur,” he said.
BSS/SMP/BZC/1850HRS