Mushfiqur Rahim Creates History: Scores Hundred in 100th Test Match
Mushfiqur Rahim Creates History: Scores Hundred in 100th Test Match
A Historic Day in Bangladesh Cricket
Bangladesh cricket witnessed one of its greatest moments on 20 November 2025, when Mushfiqur Rahim became only the 11th player in the 148-year history of Test cricket to score a century in his 100th Test match. The achievement places him among an elite class of global cricket icons and reinforces his status as one of Bangladesh’s greatest-ever cricketers.
Mushfiqur reached the milestone on Day 2 of the second and final Test against Ireland at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka. After remaining unbeaten on 99 the previous evening, he wasted no time on the morning of Day 2, completing his 13th career Test century, a reward for two decades of discipline, resilience, and exceptional commitment to the sport. He finished his first innings on 106.
This century not only cements Mushfiqur’s legacy but also marks a landmark moment for Bangladesh cricket, proving the nation’s growing stature in the global Test arena.
A 20-Year Journey from Lord’s to Mirpur
Mushfiqur Rahim’s incredible Test journey began in 2005 at Lord’s, the iconic home of cricket. From a teenage debutant facing the pressures of international cricket to becoming Bangladesh’s Mr. Dependable across all formats, his story is one of grit, evolution, and leadership.
His 100-Test milestone itself is monumental. Mushfiqur is the first Bangladeshi cricketer to reach 100 Test appearances, placing him among cricket’s most experienced players. Globally, he became the 84th player overall to reach this benchmark, a testament to his longevity and fitness in a demanding format.
Reaching a century in the very match that marks his 100th Test appearance adds a fairytale dimension to his remarkable career.
Joining an Exclusive Club of Cricket Legends
Scoring a century in the 100th Test is one of cricket’s rarest achievements. Before Mushfiqur, only 10 players had managed this feat, including:
- MC Cowdrey (England) – the first to do so in 1968
- Javed Miandad (Pakistan) – 145 vs India in 1989
- Gordon Greenidge (West Indies) – 1990
- Alec Stewart (England)
- Inzamam-ul-Haq (Pakistan)
- Ricky Ponting (Australia) – famously scored two centuries
- Graeme Smith (South Africa)
- Hashim Amla (South Africa)
- Joe Root (England)
- David Warner (Australia)
The presence of these names highlights the difficulty of the milestone. Mushfiqur now stands shoulder-to-shoulder with some of the greatest batters in cricket history.
The rarest among these achievements belongs to Ricky Ponting, who remains the only player to hit two centuries, 120 and an unbeaten 143, in his 100th Test match in 2006.
With Bangladesh batting again later in the match, Mushfiqur still has the chance to equal Ponting’s extraordinary record.
What Makes Mushfiqur’s Achievement Special?
1. First Bangladeshi to Score a Century in the 100th Test
For a cricket-loving nation, Mushfiqur’s milestone is a moment of immense pride. Bangladesh has produced world-class talents, but only Mushfiqur has reached the 100-Test mark, an achievement that symbolizes the evolution of Bangladesh cricket itself.
2. Proof of His Consistency Across Two Decades
Test cricket is the toughest format. Surviving 20 years in the game, adapting to new techniques, dealing with injuries, and staying mentally strong requires extraordinary discipline. Mushfiqur has been Bangladesh’s backbone through countless highs and lows.
3. A Reminder of His Role in Bangladesh’s Cricketing Rise
His contributions have not been limited to batting. He has served as captain, wicketkeeper, senior mentor, and dependable middle-order anchor. Many of Bangladesh’s Test victories bear Mushfiqur’s imprint either through crucial partnerships or brave match-saving innings.
4. Achieving the Milestone at Home
Scoring this historic hundred in Mirpur, in front of home fans, adds emotional weight. It allowed Bangladesh supporters to celebrate one of the nation’s finest cricketing moments together.
Reactions from the Cricketing World
Although the match is still ongoing, Mushfiqur’s achievement has already sparked praise across social media and global cricket platforms. Former players, analysts, and international journalists have highlighted:
- His longevity
- His technical adaptability
- His mental strength under pressure
- His role as a pioneer of Bangladesh’s Test cricket era
For Bangladeshi fans, the century serves as a reminder of the incredible journey their cricket has taken—from underdogs to respected Test competitors.
A Career Defined by Discipline and Determination
Mushfiqur’s career stands out for its unwavering professionalism. He has often been the first to arrive at training and the last to leave. His rigorous fitness routines and relentless commitment to self improvement have earned him admiration even from opponents.
Despite injury setbacks, challenging phases, and criticism, Mushfiqur has consistently returned stronger, often delivering his best performances when the team needed him the most.
This century in his 100th Test is not just a statistical milestone. It symbolizes the discipline and mental toughness that has defined his entire career.
What This Means for Bangladesh Cricket
Mushfiqur’s achievement is more than personal glory; it reflects the maturity of Bangladesh cricket on the world stage.
1. Inspiring the Next Generation
Young Bangladeshi cricketers now have a role model who has matched achievements of the game’s greatest. Mushfiqur’s journey shows that with hard work and discipline, Bangladeshi players can break global records too.
2. Strengthening Bangladesh’s Test Reputation
Test cricket values resilience and technique qualities Mushfiqur embodies. His century reinforces Bangladesh’s growing identity as a competitive Test nation.
3. A Milestone for the BCB and the National Program
Since Test debut in 2000, Bangladesh has strived to build consistency. Mushfiqur’s longevity is proof that Bangladesh can now produce players capable of long, impactful careers in the longest format.
Still More History to Be Made
With a second innings still to come, Mushfiqur Rahim has a rare chance to emulate Ricky Ponting’s feat of scoring two centuries in the 100th Test. Whether or not he does, his place in cricket history is already secure.
His century in Mirpur will be remembered for decades, not only as a personal triumph but as a defining moment in Bangladesh cricket’s story.
Conclusion
Mushfiqur Rahim’s century in his 100th Test is a landmark achievement, celebrated not just in Bangladesh but across the cricketing world. It encapsulates everything that defines Mushfiqur: perseverance, technical mastery, mental toughness, and unwavering dedication to his team.
As Bangladesh continues to evolve as a Test-playing nation, Mushfiqur’s legacy will serve as a guiding light for future generations. His name is now etched into cricket history, forever among the legends who rose to the occasion in their 100th Test match.
