Cricket news today: Mahmudullah has announced his retirement from international cricket. The 39-year-old cricketer made this announcement today through a Facebook post.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!In his farewell message, he wrote, ‘Not everything ends perfectly, but at some point, you have to move forward. Peace. Alhamdulillah.’
With this, two national team cricketers have announced their retirement within a week. Last Wednesday, Mushfiqur Rahim announced his retirement from ODIs.”
“Talk started a few days ago with Rachin Ravindra, one of the ‘Fab Four’ of Gen Z. The young man has scored five hundreds in ODIs so far. All in international tournaments. And all this in just 14 matches. Now, a similar talk is also in the air regarding Mahmudullah. All four of his ODI centuries have also been in ICC tournaments!
You could probably guess why there is such a sudden discourse. Recently, Mahmudullah made an announcement on a Facebook post that he will never again play for Bangladesh’s jersey.
He had already made a dramatic exit from Test cricket during the 2021 Zimbabwe tour. He retired from international T20s after the series against India last year. ODI was the only format he was still playing for Bangladesh. With today’s farewell, he is now officially a former Bangladesh cricketer.
That’s why it’s the perfect time to recall some of his highest-scoring ODI innings.”
“Since all four of his centuries were in ICC tournaments, it is only natural that his four highest ODI scores were in these tournaments as well. Three of his centuries were in the ODI World Cup, and one was in the Champions Trophy.”.
His sojourn here has also had a bittersweet flavor. Two of his centuries led Bangladesh to victory, and in two others he found himself on the losing side.
“March 9, 2015 – Adelaide”
Photo: BCB”
“That innings ten years ago is not only special to Mahmudullah himself but also in the ODI career of Bangladesh. It was the first-ever century by a Bangladesh batsman in a World Cup.”.
Thanks to his century at Adelaide Oval against England, Bangladesh managed to score a total of 275 runs. Later, through a bowling display of the highest order, they registered a 15-run victory and, for the first time, reached the World Cup quarter-finals.
After Bangladesh lost four wickets for just 99 runs, Mahmudullah’s grit in the face of England’s bowling attack—featuring James Anderson, Stuart Broad, and Moeen Ali—sent a very strong message on the international stage.”
March 13, 2015 – Hamilton
Photo: AFP”
“In the very next match, Mahmudullah achieved the best ODI innings of his career. Already being assured of a quarter-final berth by defeating England, this match against New Zealand was a free-falling game.”.
Since Mashrafe Bin Mortaza was rested, Shakib Al Hasan captained the team that day. Bangladesh almost won but lost by 3 wickets. But on a bowler-friendly pitch, Mahmudullah’s unbeaten 128-run knock was indeed unforgettable.
He played with grace against first-rate bowlers such as Tim Southee, Trent Boult, and Daniel Vettori, hitting 12 fours and 3 sixes.
June 9, 2017 – Cardiff
“In terms of match situation, this innings by Mahmudullah might be considered his greatest. His unbeaten 102-run knock helped Bangladesh script one of their most glorious moments on the global stage.
Later, when Australia lost to England, Bangladesh advanced to the Champions Trophy semi-finals for the first time in history.
That day in Cardiff, against New Zealand, Mahmudullah and Shakib Al Hasan created a fairytale. Chasing a target of 266, Bangladesh lost their first four wickets for just 33 runs. Then came their epic 224-run partnership—still the second-highest for any wicket in Champions Trophy history.
Shakib was dismissed just 8 runs short of victory, but Mahmudullah, alongside Mosaddek Hossain, comfortably finished the job.”
October 24, 2023 – Mumbai
Photo: AFP”
“Surely you remember Mahmudullah’s happy leap after scoring a century against South Africa at Wankhede in Mumbai!
His 111-run innings, however, was destined to be a personal achievement. Chasing a mammoth 382-run target of the Proteas, his batting could only help reduce the margin of defeat for Bangladesh.”.
However, for Mahmudullah, merely reaching the World Cup after being dropped from the team was a great feat. Despite the team’s defeat being certain, he couldn’t resist celebrating.”
