There is an old adage in sports that a professional sportsperson’s retirement becomes glorified when people ask why rather than when. The whole cricketing fraternity was shocked when Bangladesh’s charismatic skipper, Mashrafe Murtaza, decided to retire from Twenty20 cricket. Over the last few years the man transformed his side’s perennial presence into a force to be reckoned with. His presence and leadership skills were pivotal factors which brought pride to the cricket hungry nation, consisting of over 160 million people. As a player and as a leader, he helped his side gain vital wins and consequently, a mentality to fight till the very end. He leaves his legacy with his never-say-die attitude that allowed him to take on a plethora of challenges despite the odds. Having gone under the surgical knife at least seven times, his body (especially his knee) serves as a testament to the struggle he went through for his country. Starting out as the first ever genuine Bangladeshi fast bowler at the age of 17, he was always going to be a brilliant prospect for the country. However, injuries have managed to stifle his expected progression. Regardless, a true leader soldiers on despite the odds, and that’s exactly what he’s done for the past 16 years. He is the highest wicket taker in the ODI format for Bangladesh with 224 wickets and also holds the highest number of catches – 53. Although, previously he had expressed his dislike towards the T20 format, he still achieved some excellent records during his T20 career:
Mashrafe was the first man of the match for Bangladesh
Masharafe has been an integral part of the Bangladesh side ever since they played their first ever T20 match becoming the man of the match against Zimbabwe in the game which was held in Khulna on November 28, 2006 where he scored 36 runs and picked up 1-29 bowling four overs.
Masharafe has led Bangladesh in 27 matches, 9 of which were victories.
A player’s strike rate is of vital importance in T20 matches and Mashrafe holds the record of having a career strike rate of 136.59 which is the highest among players who have scored at least 200 career runs.
Despite being a late order batsman, Mashrafee has struck 23 sixes. Only three other players have more sixes than him – Mahmudullah, Tamim and Shakib – 29, 28 and 27 sixes, respectively.
Mashrafe saved his side from ignominy as he single handedly won a match against Ireland. He got 4-19 to produce his best bowling figures and later on chasing 140, Bangladesh were reduced to 6-85 in 16th over where Mashrafee played a swash-buckling 30-run innings off just 13 balls to snatch the victory. That innings at Belfast on July 21, 2012 is still one of the finest match winning innings in Bangladesh’s cricketing history.
To prove that he is still a mere mortal, Mashrafe holds the record of scoring five ducks, the highest by a Bangladeshi, sharing the record with Abdur Razzak.
