Mushfiqur Rahim etched his name permanently into cricket history on Thursday, becoming the first Bangladeshi to play 100 Tests and marking the occasion with a century in the same match.
Resuming on 99 not out at the start of day two, Mushfiqur faced the entire first over without adding to his score. In the following over from Jordan Neill, he calmly nudged a single to bring up his hundred, joining the elite group of just 10 players who have scored centuries in their 100th Test appearance.
Bangladesh had elected to bat in Mushfiqur’s milestone match, making a steady opening through Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Shadman Islam, who added 52 for the first wicket. Both openers got starts but fell in the 30s, with Andy McBrine striking twice to remove Shadman for 35 and Mahmudul for 34.
Ireland struck again before Bangladesh reached 100, dismissing captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, but the hosts regained control through a 107-run stand between Mominul Haque and Mushfiqur. Mominul, looking in good touch, made 63 before again falling to McBrine.
Mushfiqur then combined with Litton Das for an unbroken 90-run partnership that strengthened Bangladesh’s hold on the innings. At the close of day one, Bangladesh were 292 for 4, with Mushfiqur unbeaten on 99 and Litton on 47 — setting the stage for the historic moment achieved the following morning.
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