Bangladesh batting mainstay Mushfiqur Rahim marked his 36th birthday with a team-high 61 that enabled the Tigers escape a precarious situation in the ODI series opener against Ireland in Chelmsford yesterday. Mushfiqur appears to be relishing his new role, at number six in the batting order, introduced in the preceding ODI series against the Irish at home. Thanks to his half-century, Bangladesh managed to post 246 for nine. Ireland, in reply, were 65 for three after 16.3 overs before rain ended the game abruptly. The ensuing no result meant that South Africa secured a direct qualifying spot in this year’s ODI World Cup as Ireland needed to win all three matches of the series to overhaul the Proteas in eighth position. [Bottom] Following a zipping inswinger that must have pleased Bangladesh bowling coach Allan Donald, pacer Hasan Mahmud celebrates with teammates after leaving Irish skipper Andy Balbirnie clueless. Photo: cricket ireland
Bangladesh rode on a gritty half-century from the experienced Mushfiqur Rahim as the visitors posted 246 for nine in 50 overs in what was a disappointing showing from the visiting batters in the first ODI against Ireland in Chelmsford yesterday.
It was a tricky task for Tamim Iqbal and Co. after they were asked to bat by Ireland skipper Andy Balbirnie in overcast conditions.
Mushfiqur, who turned 36 yesterday, was the only Bangladeshi to score 50 in the innings after an early batting failure saw the Tigers lose openers Tamim and Liton Das inside four overs.
Najmul Hossain Shanto showed a glimpse of his fine recent form but was dismissed after scoring 44 while Shakib Al Hasan paid the price for trying to play too aggressively and managed 21 runs.
The visitors were struggling after losing half their side for 122 in the 27th over, but managed to motor on to a competitive total on the back of Mushfiqur’s 70-ball 61, which featured six fours.
Although Mushfiqur was also lucky to be dropped early in the innings when he was on 19, the right-hander batted till the 45th over and ensured the Tigers would post something competitive.
Mushfiqur added a valuable 65-run partnership with No. 7 batter Mehedi Hasan Miraz to give Bangladesh momentum later in the innings. However, Miraz also missed out on a big score and was caught after scoring 27 off 34 balls with four boundaries.
Ahead of the series, Tamim spoke about Mushfiqur’s batting position and the fact that the veteran would have to take up the challenge of batting at No. 6 instead of regular spot at No. 4.
“He is batting at six but nothing is permanent. Whether he will bat at four or five will be determined by match situations. We will see as we have a few more series to go. But for now, his position is at number six,” Tamim told the media on Sunday.
“Of course, he is a very experienced cricketer. Experience matters a lot, especially in 50-over cricket. He has played more than 250 matches. He is a very important part of the team. When we told him about batting at number six, he said ‘okay’. If someone does not want it from the inside, it’s very difficult. We have seen how well he has played in the last series.”
Mushfiqur’s knock yesterday also reflected how the cricketer had to change his role from facing the new ball after early wickets compared to how he now has to play the role of a finisher and navigate the innings towards bigger totals.
Taijul Islam and Shoriful Islam’s valuable contributions lower down the order eventually helped the visitors post something close to 250 mark.
The visitors also struggled to cope with the conditions after rain abandoned their only practice game ahead of the series.
