A hundred Tests and one run short: Mushfiqur Rahim steals spotlight in Mirpur

WEB DESK: Bangladesh wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim received a warm reception at the Sher-e- Bangla National Stadium on Wednesday as he became only the second Bangladeshi to reach the milestone of 100 Test matches. The usually tense venue briefly shifted tone, with banners, tributes and a pre-match ceremony marking the occasion.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board held a short felicitation ahead of the second Test against Ireland. Mushfiqur’s first Test captain, Habibul Bashar, presented him with a commemorative cap, while members of the squad from his debut match stood alongside players in special shirts. His family was also present. Current captain Najmul Hossain Shanto addressed the gathering before Mushfiqur delivered brief remarks, bringing the ceremony to a close within minutes.

On the field, Mushfiqur showed little sign of being affected by the spotlight. Brought in earlier than expected after Bangladesh lost three wickets before lunch, he steadied the innings with a composed knock. Ireland slowed proceedings significantly in the final half-hour to ensure the completion of 90 overs by the scheduled close, leaving Mushfiqur stranded on 99 not out.

Teammate Mominul Haque said there was no concern in the dressing room about Mushfiqur handling the overnight break on 99. He described the veteran’s calm approach as consistent with his disciplined career. “He is exactly the same as he was before this match,” Mominul said, adding that the team no longer feels the need to handle him cautiously during major milestones, according to Cricinfo.

The milestone Test also marked a rare moment of unity for Bangladesh cricket, which has experienced a turbulent period in recent years. The celebrations and visible support for Mushfiqur were widely viewed within the team as a positive cultural shift. With the 37-year-old poised to complete his century of runs on Thursday, Mirpur is expected to draw a stronger crowd for the resumption of play.