Bangladesh's head coach Phill Simmons hugs batter Mushfiqur Rahim during a practice session at at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in the city on Tuesday, ahead of their final Test which will begin today (Wednesday)- BCB Mushfiqur Rahim will become the first Bangladesh cricketer to play the 100th Test, when his side will take on Ireland in the second and final Test at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in the city today (Wednesday), report agencies.
The match will start at 9.30 AM.
Bangladesh lead the two-match series 1-0 following their innings and 47 runs victory in the first Test. A victory in the second Test, which will help them sweep the series, is imperative to make the occasion of Mushfiqur's 100th Test a memorable one.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has planned to honour Mushfiqur Rahim on the eve of his remarkable feat.
Bangladesh, however, vowed not to let the Mushfiqur feat distract them from their original goal-a victory to make it even sweeter for the seasoned campaigner.
Mushfiqur, known for his tenacity and technical brilliance behind the stumps and in front of the wickets, has been a cornerstone of Bangladesh's Test side for over 15 years.
He is the only Bangladeshi batsman to have scored more than 6,000 runs in Test cricket, highlighting his crucial role in the team's batting lineup.
The cricket fraternity in Bangladesh has been eagerly awaiting this milestone. Fans and fellow cricketers have expressed their admiration and respect for Mushfiqur's journey from a promising young talent to a seasoned international stalwart.
"Well, I think first of all, we have to acknowledge his professionalism and his longevity and just his desire to play cricket for Bangladesh," Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons said. "Because to get 100 Test matches - Bangladesh doesn't play 15 a year - so it has taken him a period of time and we must appreciate that. And I think, from working with him for this short time, the professionalism is extremely high, and I will be so happy for him tomorrow when that occasion comes," he added.
Bangladesh, however, have a clean record
against Ireland, winning all two Test matches the two sides played so far. Although Bangladesh's Test record is a dismal one as they won just 24 Tests in 154 since their elevation as a Test nation in 2000.
The hosts are highly unlikely to tinker with the squad as they looked set to retain the same squad that won the first Test.
Ireland, though would come to play as underdogs, they will leave no stone unturned to level the series because a victory against Bangladesh would help them justify their Test status.
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