Miraz exudes composure as he takes on the role of captain

Despite putting up a cracking fifty against Afghanistan in the opener in the third and final ODI in the UAE, Bangladesh’s innings suddenly took on a familiar look of 72 for four yesterday.

But Mehedi Hasan Miraz hit an anchor strike for the fifth wicket during a vital 145-run partnership from 188 balls with Mahmudullah Riyad to bail Bangladesh out of trouble in the series-deciding match played at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Apart from keeping the innings together, Miraz’s role was key to keeping the spinners at bay; so he’s usually the one raising the order against Afghanistan.

His 119-ball 66 may seem slow and cumbersome, but given Bangladesh’s recent batting debacles – one of which happened in this very series, losing their last eight wickets in good position for 23 runs – Miraz’s innings was necessary.

While Rashid Khan made his presence felt, Miraz survived the pressure and kept one end, allowing Mahmudullah to play his shots. Mahmudullah’s knock of 98 with seven fours and three sixes and Miraz’s knock sealed Bangladesh’s innings as the Tigers posted 244 for eight.

Miraz took fifty from 106 deliveries and was dropped to pace death overs. But the way he dealt with the turmoil that led to Zakir Hasan’s dismissal showed that he was capable of meeting the demands placed on him.

Most likely, Miraz, who has been named vice-captain, will captain the team in the West Indies Tests and take over duties from Najmul Hossain Shanto, who will be unable to participate in the upcoming Tests due to a groin strain. Shanto, who could not play yesterday due to his injury, talked about Miraz’s shots during the half-time.

“Miraz and Riyad bhai showed a lot of character and I was happy with the strikes, especially in the middle overs,” he said.

While Shanto was disappointed that Mahmudullah missed out on 100 goals, Miraz’s ability to play second fiddle did not go unnoticed.

“Great knock from Riyadh. And especially Miraz showing his composure when we suddenly lost two or three wickets in the middle. I think that was our plan,” said Shanto.

“When Riyad bhai came out to bat, he showed his experience by taking one ball at a time. We weren’t too disappointed that he missed a hundred balls but I think the team is in a good position,” he added.

When Shanto was injured in the second ODI, Miraz took charge of the team in a must-win match. Shanto said he was impressed.

After the second ODI, the skipper had said, “I think Miraz did a good job (as stand-in captain). It was a tough job for him to take on the role, especially in a pressure match like this.”

Yesterday was Miraz’s 100th ODI and also his first official stint as captain. Miraz’s leadership qualities will be tested in the absence of Shanto, as well as several key players in the West Indies series.

So far his calmness has answered the team’s calls with the bat. He relieved Shanto in the field in the second ODI and the Tigers will need his composure in the tough West Indies tour.