Mushfiqur scores ton in 100th Test against Ireland

After a couple of scares on 99, Mushfiqur taps it for a single to become Bangladesh’s joint highest scorer of centuries in the format

Mushfiqur Rahim, playing in his 100th Test match for the national team, ended Day 1 of the Mirpur Test against Ireland on 99*.

As Bangladesh tuned in with anticipation for another milestone to the veteran’s storied career, there were two close calls.

On successive deliveries, slow left-armer Matthew Humphreys got close calls, with a massive appeal for lbw followed by a close call on the stumps.

But with a single in the following over, Mushfiqur kept his nerve and brought up his 13th century in the Test format – equalling Mominul Haque for the highest number of tons in Test cricket for the Bangladesh national team.

The roar from the crowd was tremendous.

On the very next delivery, Litton Das brought up his 20th Test 50 with a clip that beat the fielder at square leg to reach the boundary.

Humphreys, however, was not to be denied and eventually got Mushfiqur to poke at a probing ball that caught the outside edge and fell into the hands of Irish captain Andy Balbirnie.

Despite the dismissal, the innings stands as another sterling achievement for the veteran cricketer, who began his Test career at only 18 years and 17 days in 2005. Twenty years later, he still retains the record for the youngest cricketer to debut at Lord’s, often known as the home of cricket.

At the end of 103 overs, Bangladesh were on 336/5 with Litton (70) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (14) at the crease.