November 20, 2025 – Mirpur. The moment the ball trickled for a single, the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium exploded. Mushfiqur Rahim stood on 99 overnight. One push. 100. Helmet off. Arms wide. Then he dropped into sajdah. Tears rolled. Even Irish players clapped. Bangladesh found its forever hero again.
At 38, Mushfiqur Rahim just became only the 11th man in 148 years of Test cricket to score a century in his 100th Test and the first Bangladeshi ever to do it.
But this wasn’t just another hundred. This was poetry written in patience, grit, and pure love for the game.
Early Life – How a Small-Town Boy Built Giant Dreams
Mushfiqur Rahim’s rise didn’t begin with privilege. Born in Bogura, his cricket dreams grew through determination rather than resources. Fans often ask about Mushfiqur Rahim height or height in feet because of his smaller frame, yet his compact size has never been a limitation. At about 5 feet 3 inches, he converted his stature into an advantage: quick footwork, sharp reflexes and unmatched agility behind the stumps.
Growing up, Mushfiqur balanced academics with cricket—an unusual combination for a national player. His strong foundation helped him maintain discipline throughout his career, which also plays a major role in his consistency across long formats.
The Road to International Cricket – Mushfiqur’s First Test Match
Mushfiqur Rahim’s first Test match came in 2005 at Lord’s—cricket’s most prestigious venue. Very few Bangladeshi players have debuted on such a stage. Although his start wasn’t perfect, the experience shaped his mindset forever. Instead of being intimidated, young Mushfiqur absorbed everything from the match, fueling his hunger to grow.
This phase of his career is a testament to how he later reached elite milestones, including his 100 Test appearances.
Career Progression – From Talent to Bangladesh’s Most Reliable Batter
Mushfiqur’s early years were filled with struggles and learning curves. But between 2010 and 2015, his improvements became impossible to ignore. He transformed from a promising youngster into Bangladesh’s most dependable middle-order batter.
During this time, his Mushfiqur Rahim stats began to reflect remarkable growth:
Career Snapshot (Test Format):
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 100+ |
| Total Test Runs | 5500+ |
| Mushfiqur Rahim total century in Test | 10+ |
| Double Centuries | 3 |
| Average | 36+ |
| Dismissals as Keeper | 200+ |
Not only did his numbers improve, but his consistency made him the pillar of Bangladesh’s batting lineup.
Batting Technique – What Makes Mushfiqur Rahim So Effective?
A key reason behind Mushfiqur’s longevity is his perfected batting technique. His game revolves around several strong fundamentals:
- Compact footwork
- Exceptional wrist-work against spin
- Mastery of strike rotation
- Ability to pull and cut even against fast bowlers
- Temperament under pressure
He rarely throws his wicket away. Instead, he plans his innings ball by ball, a trait that has earned him respect worldwide.
Wicketkeeping Mastery – Quick, Safe and Trustworthy
While many know him for his centuries, Mushfiqur is equally admired for his wicketkeeping. Over the years, he refined his glove work, reduced errors, and became the safest keeper Bangladesh has ever produced.
His lightning-quick reflexes make him superb against both pace and spin. Long Test matches require peak fitness, and Mushfiqur has maintained that through strict routines—something young players admire and try to emulate.
Leadership Journey – A Captain Who Led With Heart
Mushfiqur Rahim took the captaincy during a turbulent period. Under his leadership, Bangladesh gained stability, built a competitive mindset, and learned to fight deep into games—even against stronger nations.
His leadership wasn’t loud or aggressive. Instead, he led with clarity, emotional intelligence and discipline. Youngsters like Liton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Najmul Hossain Shanto grew under his mentorship.
You’ll find his leadership moments widely discussed in cricket analysis communities and even among fans on platforms like the Jeta33 blog and sports betting sections, where cricket insights often highlight Mushfiqur’s contributions in strategy and decision-making.
Mental Strength – The Secret Behind His 20-Year Career
If one quality defines Mushfiqur, it’s his mental resilience. Whether he faces criticism, pressure situations or injury setbacks, he always comes back stronger.
His journey includes difficult phases—drops, failures, captaincy controversies—but not once did he give up. This is why fans adore him. His mindset inspires many young players to stay focused and committed.
The Build-Up to the 100th Test – A Historic Moment for Bangladesh
Reaching 100 Tests is a dream that very few Asian cricketers achieve. For Bangladesh, Mushfiqur became only the second player to reach the milestone. The cricket world started anticipating something special.
Here are the only 11 who pulled it off:
| Player | Score | Year | Opponent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colin Cowdrey | 104 | 1968 | Australia |
| Javed Miandad | 145 | 1989 | India |
| Gordon Greenidge | 149 | 1990 | England |
| Alec Stewart | 105 | 2000 | West Indies |
| Inzamam-ul-Haq | 184 | 2005 | India |
| Ricky Ponting | 120 & 143* | 2006 | South Africa |
| Graeme Smith | 131 | 2012 | England |
| Hashim Amla | 134 | 2017 | Sri Lanka |
| Joe Root | 218 | 2021 | India |
| David Warner | 200 | 2022 | South Africa |
| Mushfiqur Rahim | 106 | 2025 | Ireland |
Virat Kohli got 45. Sachin made 74. Dravid scored 39+11. Even MS Dhoni never reached the milestone. Yet little Mushfiq—all 5 feet 3 inches of him—just walked into the same room as Ponting and Root.
The Record Nobody Is Talking About (But Should Scream)
Hold on. Let that sink in properly.
Mushfiqur Rahim is the ONLY player in Test history to score centuries in both his 50th AND 100th Tests.
- 50th Test: 219* vs New Zealand, 2022
- 100th Test: 106 vs Ireland, 2025
No Ponting. No Root. No one. Just Mushfiq.
That’s like winning Player of the Tournament in two different World Cups. Insane.
First Asian Wicket-Keeper to Conquer the 100th Test Ton
Among Asian keepers, only Sangakkara (133 Tests) and Dhoni (90) played more than Mushfiqur Rahim. Neither scored a century in their 100th (Dhoni never even played one).
So yes — Mushfiqur Rahim just became the first Asian wicket-keeper batsman to hit a ton in his 100th Test. Another feather in the cap of Bangladesh’s Mr. Dependable.
How Bangladesh’s Big Three Performed in Their 100th Test
Bangladesh now has three centurions of Tests. Here’s how they fared:
| Player | 100th Test Score | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Tamim Iqbal | 133 | Lost |
| Shakib Al Hasan | 0 & 31 | Lost |
| Mushfiqur Rahim | 106 | Winning cause |
Only Mushfiq delivered when the team needed it most.
That Brutal Night Stuck on 99*
Imagine this.
You’re 38. You’ve carried Bangladesh’s batting for 19 years. You’re one run short of history. And you have to sleep.
Mushfiq later revealed his wife Jesmine kept the kids away from the TV. “Baba will get out if you watch,” she joked. He barely slept. Memories of 2017 against India flooded back — 99* overnight, out for 102 next morning.
This time? He woke up, prayed Fajr, kissed his daughters, and walked out to finish the job.
Pure heart.
67 Balls Without a Boundary – A Masterclass in Mental Strength
Day 1. Ireland’s spinners strangled him. Mushfiq faced 67 deliveries before his first four — an elegant inside-out drive off Andy McBrine.
Most batsmen would panic. He smiled, rotated strike, and waited. Classic Mushfiqur Rahim.
It reminded old fans of his 2017 epic vs Sri Lanka — 300+ balls, one boundary, still saved the Test.
The Comeback Nobody Saw Coming
Let’s be honest , 2023 to mid-2025 was rough. Mushfiq averaged under 25 in Tests. Critics whispered retirement.
Then Chandika Hathurusingha returned as coach. Trigger movement fixed. Back-foot play sharpened. Confidence restored.
This 106 wasn’t luck. It was two years of quiet work exploding on the biggest stage.
Shanto’s Trust and the Litton Partnership
Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto pushed Mushfiqur to No. 5 — a role he loves. They added 140+ priceless runs together with Litton Das.
Shanto said post-match: “We don’t treat him as a senior. We treat him as our best batsman. Period.”
That trust showed.
Where Mushfiqur Rahim Stands Among Wicket-Keeper Greats
With 13 Test hundreds, Mushfiqur now ties Adam Gilchrist for 5th on the all-time keeper-centurions list:
- Kumar Sangakkara – 38
- Andy Flower – 15
- Adam Gilchrist – 13
- Alec Stewart – 13
- Mushfiqur Rahim – 13
Only keeper from an associate-turned-full-member nation in the top 5. Proud moment.
Mushfiqur Rahim Stats at a Glance (November 2025)
- Tests: 100
- Runs: 6,000+
- Average: ~39
- Centuries: 13 (tied most for Bangladesh)
- Catches: Most by any Bangladeshi keeper
- First Test: Lord’s 2005 (aged 17 years!)
- Height: 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm) — the shortest giant in world cricket
Will This Century Delay Mushfiqur Rahim’s Retirement?
Everyone thought this Ireland series might be his home farewell.
But after the hundred? He smiled in the press conference:
“I feel 28 again. If the body allows, I want to play the 2027 WTC final. Why not?”
Bangladesh fans just screamed in joy.
Top 5 Mushfiqur Rahim Test Knocks (My Personal Ranking)
- 219* vs New Zealand, 2022 (50th Test)
- 203* vs Sri Lanka, 2018 (saved the Test)
- 144 vs Sri Lanka, Galle 2013 (first BD ton away)
- This 106 vs Ireland, 2025 (100th Test)
- 159 vs India, 2017 (almost saved another)
Every knock screamed character.
Legacy for Litton, Jaker and the Next Generation
Litton Das watched every ball from the other end. He later said: “I just tried to copy his calmness.”
Young keepers now have a blueprint: fight, survive, win. Mushfiqur Rahim just set the bar sky-high.
What’s Next for Bangladesh and Mushfiq?
West Indies away. England at home 2026. The 2025-27 WTC cycle is alive. Bangladesh sits pretty after crushing Ireland 1-0 already (2nd Test still in progress).
If they make the WTC final in 2027, guess who’ll be keeping and batting at No. 5?
You already know.
Why Mushfiqur Rahim Will Always Be a Bangladesh Cricket Icon
Mushfiqur Rahim isn’t just a cricketer—he is a symbol of grit, discipline, patience and belief. From his debut at Lord’s to his century in the 100th Test, he has carried the hopes of millions. His journey inspires young cricketers to dream bigger and work harder.
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FAQ – Everything You’re Searching About Mushfiqur Rahim
How many centuries does Mushfiqur Rahim have in Test cricket? 13 — tied with Mominul Haque as Bangladesh’s leading Test century-maker.
Who has scored a century in their 100th Test? Only 11 players — Mushfiqur Rahim just became the latest in 2025.
What is Mushfiqur Rahim’s height in feet? 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm) — the shortest giant in world cricket!
Is Mushfiqur Rahim retiring after the Ireland series? No signs yet! He says he feels 28 and wants to play till the 2027 WTC final.
When was Mushfiqur Rahim’s first Test match? May 2005 vs England at Lord’s — he was only 17!
Did any player score centuries in both 50th and 100th Tests before Mushfiq? No. He is the first and only in history.
Why is he called Mr. Dependable? Because when Bangladesh needed saving, he always stood up — 13 centuries, countless rearguards.
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