The Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium witnessed a blend of emotion and high-class cricket as Mushfiqur Rahim walked out for his 100th Test against Ireland on November 19.
The morning began with a warm, emotional tribute for the veteran cricketer. Mushfiqur entered the ground through a guard of honour formed by his teammates.
Former Bangladesh captain Habibul Bashar, who gave Mushfiqur his debut cap 19 years ago at Lord's, presented him with a special commemorative cap. Former skipper Akram Khan, the BCB president, and senior board officials presented him with mementos and a crest. Najmul Hossain Shanto and Habibul Bashar handed over a jersey signed by members of both his debut and 100th Test squads.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mushfiqur thanked his family (especially his wife), teammates, coaches, and fans, reiterating his commitment to giving "one hundred per cent" to Bangladesh cricket.
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto called the milestone a "proud moment," praising Mushfiqur for always putting the team before himself. Despite an early wobble, Bangladesh ended Day 1 on a strong 292 for 4, with Mushfiqur Rahim leading the charge and finishing tantalizingly close to a century.
Openers Shadman Islam (35) and Mahmudul Islam (34) gave Bangladesh a sound 52-run start but were both dismissed by off-spinner Andy McBrine. McBrine also took the wicket of captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, becoming the first Irish spinner to take three wickets in a Test match's first session.
Mushfiqur arrived at the crease and, alongside Mominul Haque, calmed the innings. Their steady partnership continued after the lunch break. Mominul scored a gritty 63 (off 128 balls), surviving two dropped catches before falling to McBrine just after tea.
Mushfiqur played tightly early on but grew into his innings. He reached his half-century at the start of the third session and continued to bat calmly, bringing up the nineties smoothly.
Mushfiqur finished the day unbeaten on 99, leaving the small crowd in suspense. He is now one run away from becoming the 11th batter in Test history to score a century in his 100th Test match.
Andy McBrine was the star bowler for Ireland, taking all four wickets to fall and ending the day with figures of 4 for 82. Litton Das is the other unbeaten batter on 47 (3 runs shy of a fifty).
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