Mahmudullah: One of my best innings

Mahmudullah Riyad’s 18-ball unbeaten 43-run knock against Sri Lanka has not only taken Bangladesh to Nidahas Trophy final but also giving the Tigers their best-ever T20I finish.

Bangladesh were under pressure when Mushfiqur Rahim, Tamim Iqbal and Soumya Sarkar fell in quick succession after Tamim-Mushfiqur built on a partnership. Skipper Shakib Al Hasan’s wicket brought more pressure on the Tigers.

But Mahmudullah kept his head cool and got Bangladesh over the line requiring 12 runs off 4 balls. He hit a four and a six off Isuru Udana to finish off the match.

There was a confusion regarding a no-ball before the thrilling finish. Man of the Match Mahmudullah rates his innings one of his best.

“One of my best innings. When Shakib came back, it was a big boost. Plan to strike the ball as hard as I can. When Shakib got out, I was under pressure. The confusion was because it was the first bumper, but we should forget it, happens in the game,” he said at the post-match presentation.

Shakib, the skipper who made a sudden return to the squad, said that he would need to be careful in tight situations.

“You can’t expect more than that in a T20 game, so much excitement, emotion. Credit goes to SL, losing five early wickets. We kept our nerves in the end. I knew I was not 100% as far as batting is concerned. We always had healthy competition in the ground, but outside, we are friends. Emotions take over, I need to be careful as a leader of a team, I will be careful next time,” said Shakib.

Source: bdcrictime.com