Mushfiqur Rahim
Mushfiqur to miss T20 series against Australia over isolation norms
Bangladesh wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim is set to miss next month's five-match T20 home series against Australia over strict isolation norms.
As per the conditions set by Cricket Australia, every Bangladeshi cricketer needs to be quarantined for at least 14 days ahead of the T20 series. Mushfiqur missed this isolation deadline even after coming back without playing the ODI series in Zimbabwe.
Mushfiqur flew back home from Harare on July 14 after coming to know that his parents had contracted Covid-19. To fulfil the requirement of the 14-day mandatory quarantine before the series, Mushfiqur needed to isolate himself by July 20, but he missed the deadline due to family commitments.
Also read: Tamim to miss home series against Australia, New Zealand
Mushfiqur wanted to isolate himself on July 22, but the operations committee of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) told him that "it won’t work now".
“Mushfiqur wanted to play the series, but he missed the deadline by two days,” Akram Khan, the chair of cricket operations of BCB, told the media. “A specific quarantine period is in our agreement with Cricket Australia. So, we cannot include Mushfiqur now. We talked to them, but they did not agree."
The first match of the series will take place on August 3, while the other matches will be played on August 4, 6, 7 and 9. All the matches will take place at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka.
Also read: Australia’s August tour of Bangladesh 'on'
Mushfiq’s parents test positive for Covid-19
Bangladesh stalwart Mushfiqur Rahim’s parents have been tested positive for Covid-19 and they are being brought to Dhaka for treatment.
Mushfiq is currently travelling to Bangladesh from Zimbabwe where he had gone last month to play a series against the hosts.
It is understood that after coming to know about his parents’ Covid-19 report, Mushfiq decided to back home immediately. He is now set to miss the three-match ODI and T20I series against Zimbabwe.
Also read: Covid claims 210 more lives in Bangladesh, 12,383 more test positive
He earlier had decided to not play the T20I series in this tour, instead, have some days with the family to avert bubble fatigue. However, he later changed his decision, had opted to play the whole series.
But now, for this family emergency, he is going to take a flight to Bangladesh later today (Zimbabwe time).
After winning the one-off Test against Zimbabwe, Bangladesh are now gearing up for the three-match ODI series against the hosts. The ODIs will take place on July 16, 18 and 20.
After that, both the teams will play a three-match T20 series as well which will be played on July 23, 25 and 27. All the matches will be played at the same venue— the Harare Sports Club.
Mushfiqur to miss remainder of Zimbabwe series
Bangladesh wicket-keeper batsman Mushfiqur Rahim will leave Harare today for Dhaka, a BCB media release said Wednesday afternoon.
Mushfiqur will miss the remainder of the tour in Zimbabwe for family reasons, the BCB release furthered reads.
Read: Mushfiqur Rahim nominated for ICC player of the month
Before going on this tour, Mushfiqur asked the board to allow him to skip the three-match T20 series against Zimbabwe. BCB had accepted his application.
But on Tuesday, BCB chief selector Minhajul Abedin said that Mushfiqur will continue playing in Zimbabwe and will also take part in the T20 series as he has to stay in the boi-secure bubble so that he can play the five-match T20 series against Australia at home starting in early August.
As per the demand of the Australia team, every member of the Bangladesh team will have to remain in a bio-secure bubble for at least 14 days ahead of the series against them.
Read: Mushfiqur named ICC Player of the Month for May
After winning the one-off Test against Zimbabwe, Bangladesh are now gearing up for the three-match ODI series against the hosts. The ODIs will take place on July 16, 18 and 20.
Read: Mushfiqur Rahim uncertain in Test series against New Zealand
After that, both the teams will play a three-match T20 series as well which will be played on July 23, 25 and 27. All the matches will be played at the same venue— the Harare Sports Club.
Mushfiqur hurts his finger ahead of Zimbabwe tour
Bangladesh stalwart Mushfiqur Rahim hurt his left index finger ahead of the tour of Zimbabwe starting on June 29. The wicketkeeper-batsman will not take any part in the ongoing Super League phase of the Bangabandhu Dhaka Premier Division Twenty20 Cricket League due to the same.
Mushfiqur was leading Abahani Limited in the league. Abahani are currently fighting for the title with Prime Bank Cricket Club.
The right-handed batsman sustained the blow during Abahani’s Super League clash against Gazi Group Cricketers. A CT scan was held by the BCB medical department on Tuesday morning.
“Mushfiqur sustained a hairline fracture on his left index finger, and we have advised him to take a rest of one week,” Debashis Chowdhury, the chief physician of BCB told the media. “Since it’s not serious, we think his Zimbabwe tour will not be affected. Still we will have another review after one week.”
Bangladesh will play a one-off Test, and three ODIs and three T20Is during the Zimbabwe tour. Muhsfiqur has already informed the board that he won’t be available for the T20Is series against Zimbabwe. He, however, will take part in Test and ODIs.
In the Dhaka League, Mushfiqur was doing well scoring 267 runs in an average over 38 and strike rate over 130. Due to his absence, Abahani might face difficulties in the remaining part of the league.
Mushfiqur named ICC Player of the Month for May
Bangladesh stalwart Mushfiqur Rahim has become the first Bangladeshi to be named as the ICC Player of the Month, winning the recognition for May, ICC confirmed Monday.
This award recognises and celebrates the best performances from both male and female cricketers across all forms of international cricket throughout the year. Kathryn Bryce from Scotland won the same award as the woman cricketer.
Read: Mushfiqur Rahim nominated for ICC player of the month
“Even after 15 years at the highest level, Mushfiqur has not lost his appetite for run-making. He was at his imperious best in the one-day series at home against Sri Lanka, a picture of consistency with the highlight being 125 in the second match which helped his side secure a winning 2-0 lead in the three-match series," Indian great VVS Laxman, representing the ICC Voting Academy, said in ICC’s press release.
“What made his feat even more notable was that it was Bangladesh’s first-ever ODI series triumph against the 1996 World Cup champions. To shore up the middle order and don the wicket-keeping gloves speaks volumes of his fitness and skills,” he added.
Read: Mushfiqur opts out of Zimbabwe T20Is
In his reaction after winning the award, Mushfiqur said over a video message: “I would like to thank you all, especially ICC, for honouring me with this award. I would also like to thank those who voted for me. I believe you didn’t only help me to win, but you won it for Bangladesh. I would like to continue playing a good brand of cricket throughout the year.”
In May this year, Mushfiqur played a total of three ODIs and scored 237 runs with one hundred and one fifty.
Mushfqiur, who got inducted into international cricket in 2005, completed 16 years in May this year.
Along with Mushfiqur, Sri Lanka’s Praveen Jayawickrama and Pakistan’s Hasan Ali were also shortlisted for this award. But Mushfqiur got more votes than them to lift the title.
Mushfiqur Rahim nominated for ICC player of the month
Bangladesh’s solidly dependable batsman-cum-wicket keeper Mushfiqur Rahim was on Tuesday nominated for the ICC men's Player of the Month award for May for his superb performance against Sri Lanka in Test and ODI series.
Mushfiqur shared the nomination with Pakistan pacer Hasan Ali and Sri Lankan spinner Praveen Jayawickrama.
The ICC also nominated Kathryn Bryce of Scotland alongside the Irish duo of Gaby Lewis and Leah Paul for the Women's Player of the Month award for May.
Also read: Mushfiqur opts out of Zimbabwe T20Is
Mushfiqur played one Test and three ODIs against Sri Lanka.
The experienced player again showcased his full class in the month of May. He scored 80 runs at an average of 40 in the first Test against Sri Lanka.
In the ODI series against the same opposition, he displayed his world-class ability with the bat.
In three matches, Mushfiqur scored 237 runs at an average of 79 and a strike rate of 88.43 and was rightfully adjudged the Player of the Series.
Also read: Marvellous Mushfiqur guides Tigers to 246
His knock of 125 in the second match helped the hosts Bangladesh to seal a first-ever ODI series victory against Sri Lanka.
Hasan Ali played two Tests against Zimbabwe and took a total of 14 wickets while Sri Lankan, debutant spinner Jayawickrama played one Test against Bangladesh and took a total of 11 wickets at 16.11. Jayayawickrama bowled Sri Lanka to victory in the second Test against Bangladesh with the best match figures by any Sri Lankan bowler on Test debut.
The three nominees for either category are shortlisted based on on-field performances and overall achievements during that month of May (the first to the last day of each calendar month), the ICC said in a statement.
Abahani off to a flying start in rain-hit first day of Bangabandhu DPL T20
Abahani Limited registered a 7-wicket win (D/L method) against Partex Sporting Club on the rain-hit opening day of the Bangabandhu Dhaka Premier Division T20 Cricket League at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.
Abahani skipper Mushfiqur Rahim was unbeaten on 38 off 26 deliveries to guide his team chase down 70 runs in 9.2 overs as rain interrupted the match after the first innings and cut the chase short to 10 overs for his star studded team.
Also Read: Dhaka Premier League T20 begins Monday
Earlier Partex scored 120 for 5 from 20 overs after winning the toss and opting to bat first.
Tasamul Haque, the captain of the side , scored 65 off 54 balls with nine fours. Moin Khan and Abbas Musa were the other two batsmen to reach a two-digit score of 22 and 17 respectively.
Taijul Islam and Mehedi Hasan Rana picked up a brace each for Abahani.
Rain came pouring down at Mirpur as the chase for Abahani was cut short to 10 overs and they required 70 runs to win according to D/L method.
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It was a relatively easy total for a batting unit consisting of national team stalwarts including Najmul Hossain Shanto, Naim Sheikh, Mushfiqur Rahim, Afif Hossain, Mosaddek Hossain and Saifuddin.
But it was not the case, as experienced campaigner Mushfiqur Rahim had to play a responsible innings to rescue the side, much like he did with the national side in the recently concluded ODI series against Sri Lanka.
Najmul Hossain and Afif Hossain— failed to impress with the bat as they both fell for 2 .
On the other hand , matches between Old DOHS Sports Club and Legends of Rupganj, and Brothers Union and Prime Doleshwar Sporting Club ended with no result due to the rain in BKSP.
Mahmudul Hasan Joy of DOHS scored 78 off 55 balls with seven fours and two sixes while Rakin Ahmed of the same team scored 46 off 33 balls. But their efforts went in vain as the match ended up without a result. They had scored 171 for four in 20 overs.
Brothers Union scored 127 for seven in 18.4 before the rain hit the game, with Mizanur Rahman, Junaid Siddique and Alauddin Babu scoring 31, 48 and 20 respectively.
Playing to strengths helps Mushfiqur shine against Lankans
Mushfiqur Rahim smashed an 87-ball 84 to help the Tigers post a challenging total in the first ODI of the three-match series against Sri Lanka Sunday at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.
Riding on his bat, Bangladesh posted 257 for six after winning the toss and won the match by 33 runs.
"I stuck to my strengths and took my time. I had to keep one end safe and that's what I did. The finishing touch from Riyad and Afif was superb," Mushfiqur said after the game.
"It wasn't an easy wicket to bat on. As Shakib and Liton got out early, there was pressure. Tamim batted well and he allowed me to take my time. And then Riyad was superb. These conditions aren't ideal to play; it's not just hot, the humidity takes a lot out of you but the credit goes to our players," he added.
Mushfiqur scored 84, Tamim 52 and Mahmuduallah 54, helping the Tigers overcome the initial batting damage. And Mehidy Hasan Miraz bagged four wickets and Mustafizur Rahman took three to confine the Lankans within 224 runs and seal the game.
This series is a part of the World Cup Super League. The top seven teams of this event will directly qualify for the World Cup 2023.
Bangladesh have already played six matches of this event and won three. Sri Lanka played three matches of the World Cup Super League and lost all.
The remaining games of the ODI series will be played on May 25 and 28 at the same venue.
Without senior players, what Bangladesh’s ODI Cricket team could look like?
There comes a time when seniors must step aside to allow the next generation to take their place. Bangladesh’s senior cricketers will likely retire in the next two to three years. Especially Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan are already considering retiring from at least one format of cricket. So from now on, the selectors will have to focus on developing cricketers who will be able to represent Bangladesh in the future. Bangladesh has had the most success in one-day international cricket. So, without senior players, what Bangladesh’s ODI Cricket team could look like? This has been discussed in this article.
How Bangladesh’s ODI playing XI could shape up without their senior players
Shakib, Tamim, Mushfiq, and Mahmudullah have been playing together for more than a decade. Together they have won many matches for Bangladesh and as a result, these cricketers have witnessed many historic victories of Bangladesh. One thing is certain: the BCB has yet to come up with a better alternative for seniors. This is a failure on the part of the Bangladesh Cricket Board, and cricketers must take some of the blame as they are not able to take full advantage of the opportunity they are getting. Let's take a look at the future Bangladesh ODI XI.
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Batting/Top order
Liton Das
ODI Match: 42 | Runs: 1,115 | HS: 176 | Ave: 29.61 | SR: 91.66 | 100s: 03
Liton Das has been the regular opener of the Bangladesh team for the last two years.
He has cemented his place in the national team after some stellar performances in the international arena. Liton has the highest individual ODI innings for Bangladesh. He achieved that feat against Zimbabwe in 2020 with 176 runs. Though he lacks consistency, at the moment there is no alternative for opener Liton.
Read Mashrafe Mortaza drops a bombshell over his alleged T20 retirement in 2017
Mohammad Naim
ODI Match: 01 | Runs: .. | HS: .. | Ave: .. | SR: .. | 100s: ..
Mohammad Naim will be the prime contender to replace Tamim Iqbal when he retires.
The tall left-handed opener has already established himself as a regular starter in T20 competitions. However, he was not given another opportunity after playing a washed out ODI match against Zimbabwe last year. If given the opportunity, Mohammad Naim has the ability to be a productive opener.
Read How to Become a Cricketer in Bangladesh: An Overall Guideline.
Soumya Sarkar
ODI Match: 61 | Runs: 1,768 | HS: 127* | Ave: 32.14 | SR: 97.35 | 100s: 02
Soumya started his international career with high expectations. But despite getting countless opportunities, he has failed to establish himself as a reliable batsman in the team. Soumya also has a tendency to keep failing after a couple of successful innings. However, his position in the Bangladesh team is secure until the pipeline is solid.
Read Bangladesh's five most memorable overseas ODI wins
Batting/Middle and lower-middle order
Mohammad Mithun
ODI Match: 30 | Runs: 663 | HS: 73* | Ave: 30.13 | SR: 78.83 | 100s: 0
Mohammad Mithun made his international debut in 2014, but he was out of the Bangladesh team for some time. However, in 2018, the right-handed middle-order batsman reclaimed his place on the national side. Mithun will be able to play for Bangladesh for at least another 5-6 years if he can maintain his form.
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Afif Hossain
ODI Match: 01 | Runs: 07 | HS: 07 | Ave: 7.00 | SR: 175.00 | 100s: 0
The selectors have high expectations from young Afif Hossain. He is already being considered as an alternative to Shakib Al Hasan. Afif Hossain is a powerful batsman who is also an effective spinner. He is the kind of player who likes to take responsibility. There is no doubt that Afif will become an essential member of the Bangladesh team in the future.
Read Memorable Match Winning Knocks in Tests
Mosaddek Hossain
ODI Match: 35 | Runs: 549 | HS: 52* | Wkts: 14 | BBI: 3/13
All-rounder Mosaddek Hossain is an aggressive-minded middle-order batsman. He is also equally adept at picking up wickets at crucial moments. Mosaddek Hossain's competitive nature makes him a valuable player in limited-overs cricket. Mahmudullah will be replaced by Mosaddek after retirement.
Read The Best ODI Batsmen of the 21st Century.
Mahedi Hasan
ODI Match: 03 | Runs: 24 | HS: 14 | Wkts: 02 | BBI: 2/42
Mahedi Hasan made his international debut in the away series against New Zealand. Aggressive Mahedi is equally good at batting and bowling. When he failed to score with the bat, he makes it up by picking wickets. In the future, Afif, Mosaddek, and Mahedi could become a lethal middle order for Bangladesh.
Read New Zealand Series will define Tamim’s captaincy
Mohammad Saifuddin
ODI Match: 24 | Runs: 302 | HS: 51* | Wkts: 34 | BBI: 4/41
Pace all-rounder Mohammad Saifuddin has been dubbed the team's new Mashrafe. Saifuddin is a very good bowler in the death overs. In addition, Saifuddin can become lethal with the bat when the team needs him. In the international arena, he has already proven his worth by playing some notable innings.
Read Bangladesh vs New Zealand T20I Series 2021: Report Card of Bangladeshi players
Bowling
Taskin Ahmed
ODI Match: 36 | Wkts: 48 | BBI: 5/28 | Ave: 32.81 | Econ: 5.88 | 5W: 01
Taskin Ahmed returned to the international circuit last January after missing two years due to injury. Taskin is committed to keeping his place on the squad. If he continues to perform, he will be able to play for Bangladesh for at least another 6/7 years.
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Mustafizur Rahman
ODI Match: 64 | Wkts: 118 | BBI: 6/43 | Ave: 23.27 | Econ: 5.24 | 5W: 05
Cutter master Mustafizur Rahman is leading Bangladesh's pace attack. Mustafiz had been rhythmless for a few years, but now he's hinting at recapturing his lost form. He can easily play for Bangladesh's national side for another decade. Mustafiz has the potential to break many records at the end of his retirement.
Read Key T20I Records between Bangladesh and New Zealand
Rubel Hossain
ODI Match: 104 | Wkts: 129 | BBI: 6/26 | Ave: 34.31 | Econ: 5.67 | 5W: 01
Rubel Hossain is one of the most successful pace bowlers in ODI format for Bangladesh. He played important roles in many historic victories of Bangladesh. Rubel is likely to play at least two more ICC World Cups for Bangladesh. But in that case, he'll have to work hard to stay in shape.
Read Who can replace Shakib Al Hasan in Bangladesh Cricket Team?
Bottom Line
An XI for the One-Day International has been formed based on the current Bangladesh squad, which gives us an idea of what Bangladesh's ODI cricket team could look like without the senior players? Finding Shakib, Tamim, or Mushfiqur alternatives is a difficult task. However, Bangladesh has no shortage of talented cricketers. If properly nurtured, a good number of high-quality cricketers will develop in the future.
According to ODI captain Tamim, there will be no big changes in the Bangladesh ODI squad before the 2023 World Cup. In that case, a significant number of players who won the Youth World Cup 2020 will be regularly seen in the Bangladesh squad after the ICC 2023 World Cup. Many people believe that with the guidance of those youngsters, Bangladesh will win the first ICC Cricket World Cup.
Read Bangladesh Cricket’s Next Generation Superstars: Potential Youngsters Who Could Lead the National Team