As one of Bangladesh’s rising all-rounders, Mehidy Hasan Miraz has often been labeled as the natural successor to Shakib Al Hasan. With consistent performances, both with bat and ball, Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s emergence has sparked conversations about him filling the shoes of Bangladesh’s legendary all-rounder.
Bangladesh all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz delivered a standout performance in the just-concluded Dhaka Test against South Africa scoring 110 runs across both innings including a crucial 97 in the second innings and taking two wickets with the ball. Although some consider Mehidy Hasan Miraz as the successor to Shakib Al Hasan, who has retired from Test cricket, Mehidy Hasan Miraz does not embrace this comparison.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s valiant effort of 97 runs went into vain as SA won the match by 7 wickets
Bangladesh’s batters were under the scanner after South Africa completed a seven-wicket win on the fourth morning of the Dhaka Test. The top four contributed 105 runs in the match, their worst showing this year. Bangladesh’s collapse on the first day of the match haunted them for the rest of it, with only the lower order, led by Mehidy Hasan Miraz, ensuring that there wasn’t an innings defeat.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz, whose 97 in the second innings forced South Africa to bat again, said that the pitch and the conditions were to their liking and even the toss went their way but the top-order’s failure on the first day took them out of the contest too early and there was no coming back.
Mehidy said that Bangladesh’s batters must improve their decision-making out in the middle. Mahmudul Hasan Joy was the only member from the top four to make any kind of contribution (30 and 40). Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto failed in both innings. However, each of those three players still have at least one recent innings of note under their belt.
Shadman scored a crucial 93 in the first Test against Pakistan, while Mominul scored a century in Bangladesh’s previous Test in Kanpur. Shanto made 82 in the Chennai Test .Mehidy Hasan Miraz is leading Bangladesh’s batting charts in this World Test Championship cycle. However Mehidy Hasan Miraz downplays all his comparisons with legendary Shakib al Hasan post his all round show in the test.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz downplays comparisons with all-rounder after BAN vs SA 2024 1st Test
Bangladesh all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz has said that he doesn’t want to be compared with Shakib Al Hasan. The spin-bowling all-rounder pointed out that Shakib has been performing the role for quite a few years, but he has done it only recently.
With Shakib likely retired from the longest format, Mehidy has been earmarked as his long-term replacement. The off-spinner had crafted a gritty knock of 97 against South Africa in the first Test in Dhaka in their second innings.
Speaking to reporters after the first Test, here’s what the 26-year-old said, as quoted by ESPN Cricinfo:
“Everyone says I will take Shakib bhai’s place. He is a legend who has achieved a lot over 17 years. He batted higher up the order. He has been scoring runs since early in his career. I have started scoring runs consistently in the last one or two years. I bat at No. 7 or 8. Shakib is in his place, I am in my place. I think it’s best not to compare us.”
Bangladesh were bowled out for merely 106 in their first innings against South Africa, making it their lowest total at home. However, Mehidy Hasan Miraz led the hosts’ fightback after they conceded a lead of 202. Nevertheless, the Proteas had only 106 to win and did it with seven wickets to spare.
“I always try to enjoy pressure situations” – Mehidy Hasan Miraz
The youngster revealed that he always tries to enjoy pressure situations and sees it as an opportunity to put his team in a winning position. He added:
“I always try to enjoy pressure situations. I see it as an opportunity to become a hero. I am happy to be making use of opportunities. I bat in a difficult position. I know that if I bat well from my position, the team may do well. If I don’t do well, the team won’t get a result. I am mentally trying to prepare myself to score runs. I am always trying to get better.”
Bangladesh’s second and final Test against South Africa begins on October 29 in Chattogram.