100 in 100th Test: Unbeaten Mushfiqur's struggle and glory

Some moments in Bangladesh cricket go beyond the scoreboard and stay in the nation’s heart. One such morning in Mirpur, Mushfiqur Rahim wasn’t just piling up runs—he was celebrating two decades of grit, grind, and dedication. His 100th Test Ton wasn’t just a number; it was the peak of an incredible journey.

Bangladesh cricket celebrated a historic moment as Mushfiqur Rahim scored a century in his 100th Test match, becoming the first Bangladeshi to play 100 Tests and only the 11th player in the world to score a hundred in that milestone match, a milestone that reflects nearly twenty years of dedication, discipline and unwavering commitment. Mushfiqur’s century of appearances isn’t just personal glory—it’s a landmark moment in Bangladesh Test cricket, and his historic ton has added a royal stamp to the nation’s cricketing legacy.

Facing Ireland at Mirpur, Mushfiqur Rahim showcased his experience and composure, compiling 106 runs off 214 balls before being dismissed, to lead his team with grace and determination. His innings, marked by patience and well-timed strokes, brought the stadium alive and reflected a career defined by resilience and skill.

This achievement places Mushfiqur in an elite global club of cricketers, including legends like Gordon Greenidge, Ricky Ponting, Javed Miandad, and Joe Root, who have also scored centuries in their 100th Test. For Bangladesh, a country that gained Test status in 2000, this milestone is both a personal triumph for Mushfiqur and a symbol of the growth and maturity of its cricket. With this century, he now has 13 Test hundreds, cementing his legacy as one of Bangladesh’s finest batsmen.

Mushfiqur’s journey began in unforgettable fashion. On 26 May 2005, at just 16 years old, he made his Test debut at Lord’s—the “Home of Cricket”—against a formidable England side. Though he was the youngest member of the squad, his maturity, courage and sharp wicketkeeping instantly caught attention. Few could have predicted that this young boy would one day become the backbone of Bangladesh’s Test side.

Over the years, Mushfiqur transformed into one of Bangladesh’s most accomplished Test batters. Technically sound, mentally tough and fiercely competitive, he earned the nickname “Mr. Dependable” for his ability to rescue the team from difficult situations. His landmark innings began with his maiden Test century against India in 2010, but his defining moment arrived in 2013 when he scripted history by scoring Bangladesh’s first-ever Test double century, a superb 200 against Sri Lanka in Galle. He would go on to score three double hundreds—a record unmatched by any Bangladeshi—and establish himself among the finest wicketkeeper-batters in Asia.

His consistency with the bat is reflected in thousands of Test runs, accumulated through patience and technique. Mushfiqur has produced memorable knocks against top cricketing nations—India, South Africa, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and the West Indies—cementing his place among Bangladesh’s most trusted performers in the longest format.

Across 99 Test matches and 182 innings, he has built an impressive record, scoring 6,351 runs with an average of 38.00. Remaining unbeaten 15 times, he has faced 13,122 deliveries at a strike rate of 48.4. His tally includes 12 centuries, 27 fifties, 740 fours and 37 sixes, with a career-best knock of an unbeaten 219—underscoring his stature as one of the format’s most resilient and accomplished performers.

Mushfiqur’s contribution goes far beyond batting records. As a wicketkeeper, he set new standards with sharp reflexes, efficient glovework and remarkable composure behind the stumps. He holds the record for the most dismissals by a Bangladeshi wicketkeeper in Test cricket.

In the field, he has been equally remarkable, accounting for 112 catches, 15 stumpings and 3 run-outs—cementing his reputation as one of Bangladesh’s most reliable and impactful wicketkeepers in Test history.

His stint as captain played a crucial role in guiding Bangladesh through a transformational period. Under his leadership, the team secured important Test results and developed a more structured, professional approach to red-ball cricket. Although leadership came with its challenges, Mushfiqur’s influence helped build stability within the squad.

Through the years, Mushfiqur delivered innings that shaped Bangladesh’s cricketing identity:
— The historic 200 vs Sri Lanka in 2013, opening a new chapter for the team.
— A courageous 159 against New Zealand in 2017, battling injury and adversity.
— The unbeaten 219 vs Zimbabwe in 2018, one of Bangladesh’s finest Test knocks.

Each innings reflected his grit and deep understanding of Test cricket’s demands.

Reaching 100 Test matches is an elite accomplishment in world cricket, achieved by only a select group of players. For Bangladesh—a nation still establishing its place in Test cricket—Mushfiqur’s milestone holds profound significance. He has become a symbol of endurance and professionalism, proving that Bangladeshi players can thrive in the most demanding format of the game.

As Mushfiqur Rahim walks into his 100th Test, he carries with him years of experience, countless battles fought and won, and the pride of a nation that watched him grow from a determined teenager to a true legend of Bangladeshi cricket. His century is more than just runs on the scoreboard—it is a testament to longevity, leadership, and dedication.

This remarkable achievement will continue to inspire future athletes to pursue excellence and resilience on the international stage.


A pioneer.
A fighter.
A Test cricket centurion.
Mushfiqur Rahim’s legacy will inspire generations to come.