Bangladesh, Mahmudullah: Without saying a word on the behavior of Bangladesh selectors, senior batsman Mahmudullah said that there is a lot to be said, but this is not the right time to express one’s mind in the middle of the tournament. Mahmudullah’s batting has been one of the few positives for Bangladesh in the tournament, as they are last on the points table after four losses.
Batting at number six, Mahmudullah played a brilliant inning of 111 runs against South Africa, which is his fourth ODI century and first century in the last six years. However, the team led by Shakib Al Hasan had to face defeat by 149 runs against South Africa on Tuesday.
It was believed that the 37-year-old was not part of the selectors’ plans ahead of the World Cup, but he made a comeback after six months following the poor performance of other batsmen, especially the young brigade. Mahmudullah told the media after the match on Tuesday, “It was a good time. I can’t say anything about that time. I want to talk about many things, but this is not the right time to talk.”
He further said, “All I can say is that I wanted to contribute for the team. I wanted to contribute more so that we can win the match. Maybe Allah has given me the strength to move forward. I have tried to keep my fitness right. Tried to. Keep working hard. That’s all I can do.”
While chasing South Africa’s huge target of 383 runs, Bangladesh team had lost six wickets for 81 runs at one time but Mahmudullah along with the tail batsmen took the team to 233 runs. Mahmudullah dedicated the fourth century of his 225-match career to those who had supported him in the ‘last three months’.
He said, I want to dedicate this to my family and those who supported me and prayed for me in the last three months. I want to thank those who supported me and also thank those who did not support me.
The 37-year-old player said that he was told by coach Chandika Hathurusinghe that he would bat at number six while Bangladesh needed his experience in the middle order. He said, I tried to contribute to the team. I have seen many ups and downs throughout my career. (Batting lower down the order) Okay. Yesterday (Monday) the coach told me that I will bat at number six. I went on the field and played my game.
