After securing a historic Test victory against Pakistan in Rawalpindi on Sunday, Bangladesh’s star batters Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das have donated their prize money to support flood victims in Bangladesh.
Recent flash floods in northeastern Bangladesh have claimed at least 18 lives and directly affected over 5 million people.
Mushfiqur, who scored a remarkable 191 runs in the match, played a pivotal role in Bangladesh’s historical 10-wicket victory over Pakistan. Following the match, he announced his decision to donate his Man of the Match prize money to those affected by the floods.
While it was Bangladesh's first victory against Pakistan in the 14th attempt, it was the hosts' first 10-wicket defeat at home.
Wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das soon followed suit, making a similar announcement.
“We defeated Pakistan in a Test match for the first time, and I’m thrilled and proud to have contributed to this victory. However, due to the flood situation in our country, I can’t fully enjoy this win; my heart remains with those back home,” Litton shared on social media.
"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 I also 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 at 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, were key in helping the side achieve a rare victory in overseas conditions.
The better himself considered his 191 to be one of his finest performances 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 team goals 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 month 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 to 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 staff 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 per cent 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.
