Mehidy Hasan Miraz has demonstrated remarkable resilience following his removal as Bangladesh’s ODI captain. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had opted to hand the leadership role to Litton Kumar Das, citing a desire to relieve Mehidy of the pressure associated with the captaincy and allow him to focus entirely on his individual performance. While the decision could have been a significant psychological setback, Mehidy has shown no signs of distraction, excelling both in the warm-up match—where he scored a century—and throughout the current Test.
Addressing the transition, Mehidy maintained a composed outlook. “I think it can happen and my mind set up is clear at this moment,” he stated, adding, “I know how to bowl the right area and how to get batting.”
The match appeared to be slipping away from the tourists on the second day when Australia claimed three quick wickets, including those of centurion Tanzid Hasan, Litton Kumar Das, and Mushfiqur Rahim. However, Mehidy spearheaded a vital recovery. While captain Najmul Hossain Shanto’s 84 had initially provided a solid foundation, the innings threatened to collapse once the second new ball was introduced. Mehidy stepped in to stabilize the situation, building crucial partnerships with the tailenders that shifted the momentum firmly in Bangladesh’s favor.
Resuming the third day at 351-6, Bangladesh lost Hasan early, and Taijul Islam contributed 17 off 23 balls before being caught by Cameron Green off Josh Hazlewood. Despite the pressure, Mehidy remained steadfast, eventually securing his 10th Test half-century off 117 balls. By the time his innings concluded, he had scored 65 runs from 154 balls, having batted for 73 minutes on the second day and 124 minutes on the third.
His ability to guide the lower order proved instrumental, as he formed two 46-run partnerships with Hasan and Taskin Ahmed, contributing 32 and 30 runs respectively to those stands. Mehidy noted that his success stemmed from empowering his partners. “Everyone is playing very good cricket and everyone is taking responsibility for each other,” he said. “It was a bit challenging for me to score runs at that moment, but I needed to score with the bowlers.”
Mehidy’s influence extended to the bowling crease, where he claimed the significant wicket of Steven Smith. After Smith had scored 71 in the first innings, he looked poised for another big score before chipping a delivery back to Mehidy, who completed a sharp return catch to dismiss him for 44.
Explaining his tactical approach against the star batter, Mehidy emphasized the importance of discipline. “I knew I cannot be giving him too many scoring options. I know he is a very good player and he is doing very well but if we are not giving many runs we can take his wicket,” he explained. By varying his pace and maintaining a consistent line and length, Mehidy successfully stifled the Australian scoring rate.
While the prospect of a historic win has generated excitement, Mehidy remains focused on the immediate task. He dismissed talk of an innings victory, noting that the pitch remains in good condition and that every wicket requires immense effort to secure. “We are trying to prevent as many runs as possible,” he remarked.
With two days remaining in the Test, Mehidy emphasized the need for continued patience. “We want the fewer runs, the better for us. It is very important for us to get three wickets out of here because they all bat well. We are trying to take small steps without thinking about too many targets,” he concluded.
When Australia picked up three wickets in quick succession on Day 2, including the prized scalps of centurion Tanzid Hasan, Litton Kumar Das and Mushfiqur Rahim, it looked like the tourists were not far away from surrend
Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto’s brilliant 84 had laid the platform, along with Tanzid, for a formidable total, but it all looked to be vanishing quickly after the hosts started proceedings with the second new ball.
Mehidy, however, came up with a rescue act on Day 2 alongside Hasan Mahmud and continued to do so in the first session of the third day.
It could certainly be a psychological blow for the all-rounder, given that he had been given the mandate to lead the side until the next World Cup.
When asked whether he came to Australia with a point to prove after being removed as ODI captain, Mehidy decided to choose his words carefully.
When Australia picked up three wickets in quick succession on Day 2, including the prized scalps of centurion Tanzid Hasan, Litton Kumar Das and Mushfiqur Rahim, it looked like the tourists were not far away from surrendering.
Mehidy did not get enough time to stitch a partnership with Mushfiqur, but what he came up with alongside the tailenders not only put the tourists in the driving seat but also helped them eye a historic Test win against Australia in their own backyard.
On the third day, while on the third he batted for exactly 124 minutes during which he faced 83 balls to tire out the opposition.
Rather, he gave his partners the confidence and importance to believe that they could handle the Australian attack, and they repaid his faith, if not anything else.
He feels that his plan of making sure that the batters did not score off him proved dividends.
Following Smith’s departure, murmurs began of Bangladesh earning a huge win over the Aussies, even an innings-win if possible, though Mehidy insisted that they are not looking too far ahead.
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