Is Mushfiqur Rahim record century historic?

Mushfique Rahim was instrumental to Bangladesh’s Test side again after playing a wonderful 137-run innings in the second Test against Pakistan at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.

The innings wasn’t a one-dimensional affair of runs. So it was a matter of control, timing and experience in the heat of the moment. Mushfiqur had his team in a good wicket and he did not hesitate to take the sole responsibility to shape a match for Bangladesh, which made the visitors look for trouble.

He scored a 14th test century in 178 balls. Nine batsmen scored a boundary and a clean six. The feat put him six strokes ahead of Mominul Haque who was then tied for 13 centuries with him. In doing so he became the top scorer in Bangladesh Test cricket history.

The Mushfiqur Rahim record century too arrived at a very crucial juncture of the game. The series was all but one-sided with Bangladesh putting on a mammoth 437-run stand for Pakistan in the final leg. The wicket in Sylhet began to look worn and the baton of batting fourth will be a tough one.

In broader context, this was a testament to Mushfiqur’s consistency at the crease for over a decade in red-ball cricket. Mushfiqur still has the discipline and big-match temperament that makes him the benchmark while the younger boys such as Najmul Hossain Shanto and Litton Das are rising.

When he found his rhythm, Pakistan’s bowling attack attempted various tactics to crack his rhythm, but failed. His rotation of strike and punishing loose deliveries helped to keep Bangladesh in control throughout.

Given the fact that this Test series is between Bangladesh and Pakistan, this Test could be a test of whether Pakistan can pull it off under scoreboard pressure. For the time being, however, Mushfiqur and his historical achievement are the centre of focus.

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