‘I want to play more’: Mushfiqur’s 100th Test sparks renewed hunger

Bangladesh veteran Mushfiqur Rahim expressed his desire to continue playing for the country after his memorable 100th Test, which the hosts won by 217 runs on the final day at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur today.

"I want to play more. I really enjoyed each and every moment. I feel very lucky to have played 100 matches, and I enjoyed every second of it," said Mushfiqur during the post-match presentation, where he was named player of the match in his landmark Test.

It was hardly a surprise as Bangladesh secured a 2-0 series sweep over Ireland with a commanding victory in the second Test, despite some resistance from the visitors on the final day.

But beyond the result, Mushfiqur's rare milestone -- becoming the first Bangladeshi to play 100 Tests -- will remain etched in the memory of cricket fans, alongside left-arm spinner Taijul Islam's remarkable achievement.

Player-of-the-series Taijul, who surpassed Shakib Al Hasan to become Bangladesh's highest wicket-taker in Tests, claimed 4-40 to finish with eight wickets in the match. He also became the joint-fastest left-arm spinner in Test history to reach 250 wickets, matching Sri Lankan great Rangana Herath. Both reached the milestone in their 57th Test and 102nd innings.

But Mushfiqur produced something that will inspire future generations.
His 106 in the first innings, followed by a composed 53 in the second, made him only the second cricketer after Australia's Ricky Ponting to score at least a fifty in both innings of his 100th Test.

As usual, Mushfiqur once again put the team ahead of personal milestones and voiced confidence in the team's future.

"Really lucky to share this dressing room, and in the near future we will have a great team. As someone who started as a young player and is no longer young, it's one of my responsibilities to guide the youngsters. I just try my level best, and I hope they learn a lot—not just from me but from all the other players. I also need to get some colour off the new cap," Mushfiqur concluded.