Mahmudullah Riyad is an efficient batsman and one of the trustworthy cricketers when quick runs are required in the death overs. Riyad is regarded as a silent killer and a competent Test batsman as well. However, he was ignored by the selectors for the Test format after the Pakistan series in February 2020. Mahmudullah was recalled for a one-off Test against Zimbabwe. Bangladesh won the series thanks to his career-best 150 runs in the first innings. Meanwhile, Riyad has decided to retire from Test cricket following a superb innings against Zimbabwe. In this article, we have picked Mahmudullah's best Test innings for Bangladesh.

Mahmudullah’s Best Innings in Test Matches

5) Against New Zealand (1st Test, 2019)

Venue: Hamilton

Result: New Zealand won by an innings and 52 runs

Mahmudullah: 146 (2nd innings)

Mahmudullah Riyad produced a counter-attacking 146-run knock in the second innings on a bouncy track against a deadly New Zealand pace attack. When all of Bangladesh's batsmen failed to adapt to the Kiwis' blistering pace attack, Mahmudullah and Soumya came out strong and put up a 235-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Though Bangladesh lost the match by an innings and 52 runs.

READ: Mushfiqur to miss remainder of Zimbabwe series

4) Against West Indies (2nd Test, 2018)

Venue: Dhaka

Result: Bangladesh won by an innings and 184 runs

Mahmudullah: 136 (1st innings)

Bangladesh won by an innings and 184 runs, making the game a one-sided affair. Bangladesh scored 508 runs in the first innings, owing to a crucial 136-run innings by Mahmudullah Riyad. He was accompanied by Shakib and Liton on his way to hundred. Riyad produced a really great knock. Miraz was named man of the match after taking 12 wickets in the match.

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3) Against Zimbabwe (2nd Test, 2014)

Venue: Khulna

Result: Bangladesh won by 162 runs  

Mahmudullah: 56 & 71

Mahmudullah played two solid innings in the 2014 bilateral Test series between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe. In particular, his 71-run knock in the second innings was important to the match's outcome. Bangladesh declared their second innings at 248/9d after gaining a 313-run lead. Bangladesh went onto win the match by 162 runs.

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2) Against Zimbabwe (2nd Test, 2018)

Venue: Dhaka

Result: Bangladesh won by 218 runs 

Mahmudullah: 101* (2nd innings)

Zimbabwe scored 304 runs in their first innings in response to Bangladesh's mammoth 522-run total. Bangladesh required quick runs in the second innings to get a commanding lead. Mahmudullah rose to the occasion and played an aggressive 101*-run knock to set Zimbabwe a 443-run target. Zimbabwe ultimately crumbled and was defeated by 218 runs.

READ: Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe 2021: ODI Series Preview

1) Against Zimbabwe (Only Test, 2021)

Venue: Harare

Result: Bangladesh won by 220 runs 

Mahmudullah: 150* (1st innings)

Mahmudullah Riyad stunned everyone with a brilliant 150*-run knock in the first innings of the only Test against Zimbabwe after returning to Test cricket. He also recorded a 191-run partnership with pacer Taskin Ahmed on the ninth wicket. Bangladesh were all out for 468 runs in the first innings and were in an excellent position. Bangladesh won the match by 220 runs in the end.

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Bottom Line

Mahmudullah Riyad showed once again that he is one of the most effective Test batsmen for Bangladesh after a magnificent performance against Zimbabwe in the last Test. Moreover, analyzing Mahmudullah's best Test innings for Bangladesh highlights his importance as a player for the Test setup. That's why his decision to retire from Test cricket is terrible news for Bangladesh cricket.