0, 1, 2 and 3—these were Mahmudullah Riyad's runs in the previous four ODIs. The failure of an experienced batsman like him in the first two ODIs of the series against Afghanistan in Sharjah also raised questions. There is even talk of exclusion from the team. However, Mahmudullah is like a 'phoenix bird'! He proved it by coming back again and again after going through difficult times from the beginning of his career.
He proved it even today. He played an innings of 98 runs off 98 balls in the series-deciding third ODI against the Afghans. However, Mahmudullah had to leave the field with regret after a brilliant innings with 7 fours and 3 sixes. He was having trouble running for runs due to leg cramps. But the team needs that big talk! Although his teammates could not support him at the end, he did not lack efforts to increase the run on the scoreboard. Mahmudullah needed 4 runs in the last over to get his fifth century of ODI career. But he could not hold the bat even after getting three ball strikes. Reverse pacer Azmatullah Omarzai sent the ball to deep square leg and got run out while trying to get 2 runs. Mahmudullah would have got a century if he had taken 3 runs off the last ball.
Sharjah's midday heat and age seem to stand in the way of Mahmudullah's batting. However, even at the age of 38, he has shown four or six 'old bones'. But lost energy while taking doubles and singles. He took 37 runs from singles and 14 from doubles. That is, his 51 runs came from 'running between the wickets'. And because of the tiredness of the race, the century was missed even though it was very close. Mahmudullah was struggling to run at the end!
Mahmudullah came to the wicket today, when the team was reeling at the loss of 4 wickets for 72 runs. After that, Mehdi Hasan, who was anointed in the leadership, made a partnership with Miraj (66) for 145 runs off 188 balls for the fifth wicket. Bangladesh also made 244 runs for 8 wickets with the great batting of the two. Nazmul Hossain is absent in this match due to injury. However, he was the regular captain of the Bangladesh team on the field. He is also a bit disappointed to see Mahmudullah's century missed. At the end of Bangladesh's innings, he said, 'Riyad Bhai has shown his experience. A bit disappointed, he should have scored a century but the team is in a good position.' Mahmudullah's disappointment was evident when he returned after the dismissal. His eyes were closing in pain and despair. However, the Afghans congratulated him and patted him on the back.
Leg cramps due to heat. Even then, Mahmudullah did not stop. He dug and batted. Batting in such a situation, this experienced all-rounder reminded Glenn Maxwell too. Remember the incredible innings of the Australian all-rounder at the Wankhede in the last ODI World Cup?
Ajira lost 7 wickets for 91 runs chasing the target of 294 runs against this Afghanistan. When defeat was almost certain, Maxwell, batting at number 6, sealed victory with a monstrous innings of 201 not out from 128 balls. Maxi also had cramps. The situation was like this, he was lying on the ground. Couldn't run. But did not give up. He brought victory to Australia by batting without lifting a leg. Later that Azira also won the World Cup.
The match took place in November. What a coincidence! The Bangladesh match is also in the same month, the opponent is also Afghanistan. And Mahmudullah also batted at number 6, when the team was in trouble. Maxi's double century did not go in vain. Mahmudullah's ODI century after more than a year, will Miraj let it go in vain? If they win this match, Bangladesh will win the series by 2-1 despite losing the first ODI. Mahmudullah's previous ODI century was in the last ODI World Cup. He scored 111 off 111 balls against South Africa at the Wankhede. However, Bangladesh lost that match. This time Mahmudullah got 50+ runs after 7 innings. But his 29th ODI fifty after the ODI World Cup failed to turn into a century for 2 runs.
