Seasoned batter Mushfiqur Rahim announced that he would donate his 'man of the match' prize money to the flood-affected people in Bangladesh, reports BSS.
The experienced campaigner was adjudged man of the match for his epic 191 which drove the side to a historical 10-wicket victory against Pakistan at Rawalpindi on Sunday.
While it was Bangladesh's first victory against Pakistan in 14th attempt, it was hosts first 10-wicket defeat at home ground.
"I want to make an announcement that I just want to donate.. you know, in our Bangladesh, to the flood affected people. So, I want to donate this prize money for those severely affected people and also I just want to request all the people back home to donate and also help in this cause," Mushfiqur said during the presentation ceremony in Rawalpindi on Sunday.
As Bangladesh were in trouble in the first, Mushfiqur helped the side stay stable by sharing a number of partnerships, which eventually guided Bangladesh to 565, their highest Test total against Pakistan. His marathon innings, however, was key in helping the side achieve a rare victory in overseas condition.
The better himself considered his 191 is one of his finest performance in Test cricket.
"This is one of my finest performances so far. Because, as you said, we haven't done really well overseas. So that is one of our goal as a team so that we can put a performance where everyone can see that, how can we improve our batting, especially overseas," he said.
"So I thought credit goes to not only me, I think all the players the way they prepared themselves throughout this match in Pakistan and also back home. And I was really, really happy. I got all the support from them as well," he added.
Mushfiqur informed that their methodical practice session during the off time was key in such a steady performance in Test cricket, a format in which they were deemed vulnerable.
"I just want to share a few talks from myself like before the test series. There was a two, two and a half months gap, right? So, we had a pretty special camp back home with the Bangla Tigers camp and all the local support management was there. And that was really beneficial for all the players to prepare," he said.
"Especially for the Test team guys because other guys, they were playing the T20 World Cup. So that was really helpful. It's pretty similar weather like this. So that was mainly we covering up from that experience and I was really thankful to all my support staff and coaching stuff in that camp," he added.
Mushfiqur said that he is not keen to consider himself as oldest as he wants to keep him passionate about the game as long as he can.
"I never think that I am the oldest, or I am the most experienced because when I meet all these guys this is my luxury and the opportunity to play another Test for my country and I just try to give my hundred percent and in the field so that if I contribute for my team and all the boys will inspire from that. So that's only the reason that I am here and that's only the passion that drives me every day," he added.
Bd-pratidin English/Tanvir Raihan
