Yaser Zubayer Sifat
No words can describe the emotions and pride the nation felt today with the end of a decorative inning. No, we are not talking about the series win of Bangladesh against Zimbabwe and not talking about the sensational innings played by Liton Das with an incredible 176 off 143 balls to beat the mark set by Tamim Iqbal. The most remarkable moment of this 3rd ODI is the signing off ceremony of ‘Captain Fantastic ‘ Mashrafe Bin Mortaza.
After all that theatrical about the stepping down of Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, it finally did happen today. There were rumors, anger, and disappointment among his fan following. The national hero came in front of the camera and spoke directly to the press about his end of captaincy. It was clear that he will no longer be able to serve the nation as the captain of the Bangladesh cricket team. Although he might continue playing for Bangladesh in the ODIs, but seems like there is a slim chance for that.
Records tumbled in Sylhet International Stadium today. Bangladesh whitewashed Zimbabwe in the three-match ODI series as the Tigers registered an astonishing 123-run victory over Zimbabwe. It is also a fitting end to Mashrafe Bin Mortaza’s reign as the captain of the Bangladesh side as it was the 50th ODI victory for Mashrafe as the skipper.
All the Bangladesh players hailed the captain wearing the number 2 jersey with Mashrafe’s name on the back and “Thank You Captain” on the front. A great gesture by the Tigers as they bid adieu to the inspirational leader on his last match as the ODI captain and a memento from the Bangladesh Cricket Board. Players got emotional and everyone had nothing but praises for the captain. It was a wonderful sight to see. The respect, the love and the appreciation from both his teammates and audiences. Tamim Iqbal and all the other players raised him on their shoulders as he waived to his fans.
It is a great honour. Probably the best honour that I have got on the field. My boys have been fantastic. They have given everything for the team. I’d like to say my thanks to all the boys. Especially to Shakib. If he had been here, it would have been different, but thanks to everybody,
Mashrafe, who has had seven operations on his knees, acknowledged that he had been lucky to play so long. The bowler has cult status in Bangladesh for his role in taking the team from being international whipping boys to becoming a respected limited-overs side.
He led Bangladesh to 50 wins in 88 matches, making him Bangladesh’s most successful one-day captain. Mashrafe also led Bangladesh to 10 Twenty20 wins before retiring from the format in 2017. He has not played a Test since 2009 due to injury but was always high on spirits.
We hope to see a lot more of him in the future and his contribution to Bangladesh cricket will always be remembered. So from our side “Thank You Captain”
