Another Rescue Act from Mehidy Hasan Miraz in Dhaka
Mehidy Hasan Miraz has once again emerged as Bangladesh’s savior during a crisis, delivering a crucial performance in the ongoing first Test against South Africa at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka. With the top order faltering, Mehidy showcased his trademark resilience, putting together a vital partnership with debutant Jaker Ali to keep Bangladesh in the game.
Early Struggles Turned into Assured Batting
Walking in at 106 for 5, the situation quickly deteriorated to 112 for 6, leaving Bangladesh on the verge of an innings defeat. Mehidy, who has developed a reputation for delivering under pressure, steadied the ship with a composed 87 run knock* by the end of day three, his highest score in 2024. His innings marks the fourth fifty of the year, further solidifying his place as Bangladesh’s leading run-scorer in 2024, with an average above 50.
Jaker Ali, who contributed 58 off 111 balls, provided the perfect support. Together, the pair added 138 runs for the seventh wicket, allowing Bangladesh to reach a lead of 81 runs by stumps, giving them a glimmer of hope heading into the fourth day.
Lessons from Previous Rescue Missions
Mehidy’s latest rescue act has similarities to his previous heroics, notably during the historic Rawalpindi Test against Pakistan, where he stitched together two crucial partnerships to turn the fate of successive Tests. Although Bangladesh was in a precarious situation at 26 for 6 back then, Mehidy’s ability to perform under pressure has been consistent.
Jaker Ali praised Mehidy’s confidence during their partnership, revealing how the experienced all-rounder assured him they would form a big stand. Mehidy’s ability to guide debutants and take responsibility under challenging circumstances has become a vital part of Bangladesh’s Test cricket strategy.
Mehidy’s Form and Preparations Paying Off
Mehidy’s current form can be attributed to a dedicated training period in May and June, which provided him with valuable preparation time as he wasn’t involved in Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup campaign. Despite not scoring heavily during the India tour, his recent performances in Dhaka show his determination and readiness to deliver when it matters most.
Top-Order Struggles and Middle-Order Solutions
The Bangladesh top-order has struggled this year, with no century partnerships for the first two wickets and only two half-century stands. In contrast, there have been three century stands for the seventh wicket, all involving Mehidy. His performances have been instrumental in giving Bangladesh a fighting chance in matches where the top order has failed to deliver.
What Lies Ahead?
With rain in the forecast, Mehidy’s presence at the crease offers Bangladesh a chance to extend their lead to 150 or more, which could provide a significant challenge for South Africa in the fourth innings. Given the fragility of the batting lineup, the team’s hopes will largely rest on Mehidy’s shoulders to guide the tail and push the score to a defendable target.