Mushfiqur Rahim walked out in Mirpur knowing only ten men before him had celebrated a century in their 100th Test. By the time he edged past three figures on the second morning, he had hauled Bangladesh from an uneasy 47 for 3 to a far healthier 277 for 5, sharing stands of 107 with Mominul Haque and 108 with Litton Das.
“I can’t believe that someone from Bangladesh has played a hundred Tests, so it’s really a huge achievement,” he admitted afterwards. “It is a proud moment for any player. So obviously I am happy that I could be that person. There’s more responsibility on me. I want to give back for as long as I am playing for Bangladesh, and I want to ensure there are one or two players who can fill my gap when I have left the dressing room.”
Key facts
• Mushfiqur became the first Bangladeshi to reach 100 Tests and the 11th player anywhere to score a hundred in that landmark match.
• He resumed day two on 99 not out, having been denied a final over the previous evening.
• Partnerships with Mominul and Litton repaired early damage after the hosts slipped to 24 for 3.
Experience counts
Almost two decades in international cricket have taught Mushfiqur how to handle a build-up heavy on expectation. “I think 100 is a huge number, so I have learned many things while getting there. I have tried to gather experience and learned how to stay calm. To be honest, I really want to thank the BCB for what they planned on the first morning. It really feels great and I really felt honoured. I think this type of recognition can work as an inspiration for cricketers. It is important for them to dream that they want to play 100 Tests.”
Tactical patience
Asked about being left on 99 overnight, he shrugged. “I tried to reach the milestone last evening since these things are not easy. They could have bowled one more over but I understand it is a tactical thing. I think we would have done the same thing if we were the fielding side.”
The veteran keeper-batter was not satisfied with merely ticking off the landmark. “At the same time, I wanted to score a big hundred, rather than just getting to the mark. I tried to motivate myself that I want to score 60 or 70 more runs, not just the one run. I wanted to bat till Litton got to his century. I couldn’t do it, but Miraz batted well after that.”
Team first
His message in the pre-match huddle was uncomplicated. “I told the team huddle on the first day that the team always comes first. Mushfiqur Rahim is because of Bangladesh. I think I am like a drop in the ocean. Bangladesh comes first, and a win in this Test match will be my biggest gift whether I score or not.”
Context and analysis
Bangladesh’s batting has often leaned on Mushfiqur, and that reliance showed again once the openers fell cheaply. On a surface offering early seam movement and occasional spin, his judgement outside off stump and willingness to leave bought him time. Once set, he scored freely square of the wicket, forcing the bowlers to adjust their lengths.
The century continues a productive phase: since 2020 he averages over 50 in Tests, a figure underpinned by an increasing number of “daddy hundreds”. For younger batters, the value is as much in watching his method—compact defence, soft hands, relentless concentration—as in his runs.
Legacy on his mind
Born in Bogra and moulded at BKSP, the national sports institute, Mushfiqur speaks often about giving back. Coaches who saw him as a wiry teenager describe the same traits that endure today: fitness, stubbornness, and a mind that rarely switches off. The next step, he insists, is to ensure Bangladesh are not scrambling for experience once he and contemporaries depart.
Looking ahead
With Bangladesh still eyeing a first-innings total above 400, victory would place a neat bow on the week’s celebrations. Mushfiqur’s immediate goal, though, remains as straightforward as his technique: bat long, help the side, and leave the dressing-room stronger than he found it.
