Mushfiqur Rahim: The Pillar of Bangladesh Cricket—Career, Teams, and Unforgettable Moments
**Let's Begin**
Mushfiqur Rahim is one of the most legendary cricketers in Bangladesh's history. A solid wicketkeeper-batsman, he has been a cornerstone of the national side for almost a decade. Known for his perseverance, leadership, and clutch performances, Rahim has played a vital part in Bangladesh’s ascent in international cricket.
This blog covers his career, his teams, and the **five most memorable and surprising moments** that shaped his legacy.
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## **Mushfiqur Rahim’s Cricket Career Overview** ### **Teams Played For** 1. **Bangladesh National Cricket Team** (2005–Present) – Tests, ODIs, T20Is 2. **Bangladesh Premier League (BPL)** – Represented teams like Khulna Tigers, Rangpur Riders 3. **Other Franchises** - Sylhet Strikers, Chittagong Vikings
### **Role on the Team** - **Wicketkeeper-Batsman** (Primary role in early career)
- **Middle-Order Batsman** (Known for calming innings)
- **Former Captain** (Led Bangladesh in Tests and ODIs)
### **Key Statistics (As of 2024)** | Format | Matches | Runs | Highest Score | Average | Catches/Stumpings | |--------|---------|------|--------------|---------|-------------------| | **Test** | 88 | 5,553 | 219* | 37.02 | 191 (148 catches, 43 stumpings) | | **ODI** | 260 | 7,575 | 144 | 37.34 | 253 (210 catches, 43 stumpings) | | **T20I** | 102 | 1,500 | 72* | 19.48 | 61 (42 catches, 19 stumpings) |
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## **Bangladesh Cricket Team: How Many Players? ** The **Bangladesh national cricket team** normally has a **15-player squad** for important competitions like the World Cup or Asia Cup. However, the larger player pool comprises roughly **25–30 centrally contracted players** across forms.
Mushfiqur has been one of the longest-serving players, beginning in **2005** and remaining a major figure ever since.
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## **5 Most Memorable & Shocking Moments of Mushfiqur Rahim’s Career**
### **1. The Heartbreaking Run-Out versus India (2016 T20 World Cup)** ** Date:** March 23, 2016 **Venue:** M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
Bangladesh needed **2 runs off 3 balls** against India in a must-win T20 World Cup match. Mushfiqur Rahim (24* off 15) smashed two successive boundaries from Hardik Pandya, taking Bangladesh to the verge of victory.
**The Shocking Turn:** - On the third ball, Rahim tried a crazy slog and was caught at mid-wicket.
- Next ball, Mahmudullah Riyad went out similarly.
- With **1 required off 1 ball**, a mistake resulted to a run-out, gifting India a **unbelievable 1-run win**.
**Why It’s Memorable:** - One of the **most spectacular collapses** in T20 history.
- Fans condemned Rahim for premature celebrations before the result was secured.
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### **2. First Bangladeshi Double Century in Tests (2018 versus Zimbabwe)** **Date:** November 11–15, 2018 ** Venue:** Sylhet International Cricket Stadium
Mushfiqur created history by being the **first Bangladeshi to score a Test double century** (219*).
**Key Highlights:** - Played a long innings (421 minutes, 267 balls).
- Helped Bangladesh post **522 runs**, culminating to an innings win.
- Proved his ability to play extended innings under pressure.
**Why It’s Memorable:** - Cemented his status as Bangladesh’s top Test batsman.
- Showed his capacity to dominate in all formats.
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### **3. Controversial Dismissal & Umpire Argument (2021 versus Sri Lanka)** ** Date:** April 21–25, 2021 **Venue:** Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
In a heated Test match, Mushfiqur was given out **obstructing the field**—a uncommon dismissal.
**What Happened?** - Rahim stopped a throw at the stumps with his hand while racing.
- Sri Lanka appealed, and the umpires ruled him out.
- Rahim **argued aggressively**, resulting to a fine for dissent.
**Why It’s Shocking:** - Only the **7th player in Test history** out this manner.
- Sparked disputes about sportsmanship and umpiring choices.
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### **4. Match-Winning Century versus Australia (2015 ODI)** **Date:** September 21, 2015 ** Venue:** Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka
Bangladesh upset Australia in an ODI, with Rahim hitting **106 off 108 balls**.
**Key Moments:** - Chased down **266** with easily (won by 5 wickets).
- First-ever ODI series win over Australia.
- Proved Bangladesh could compete with elite teams.
**Why It’s Memorable:** - One of Bangladesh’s greatest ODI triumphs.
- Rahim’s innings was a masterpiece of controlled aggressiveness.
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### **5. The Infamous Helmet Removal Celebration (2017 versus Sri Lanka)** **Date:** March 15, 2017 **Venue:** Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo
In a Test match, Rahim earned a tough **85** but stunned spectators with his celebration.
**What Happened?** - After hitting 50, he **removed his helmet and waved it** madly.
- The celebration was considered as extravagant for a half-century.
- Critics deemed it **"over-the-top"** for a Test match.
**Why It’s Shocking:**
- Rare to see such celebrations in Tests.
- Showed Rahim’s ardent (sometimes contentious) character.
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## **Conclusion**
Mushfiqur Rahim has been a **warrior for Bangladesh cricket**, delivering match-winning performances while also facing dramatic lows. From terrible defeats to historic centuries, his career has been a rollercoaster.
As he continues to contribute, his status as one of Bangladesh’s **greatest-ever cricketers** is safe. Whether as a batter, wicketkeeper, or leader, Rahim’s effect on the game is unmistakable.
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Would you like any further details or a deeper look into any specific moment? Let me know! 🏏