Mushfiqur Rahim, the senior Bangladesh cricketer, was awarded Player of the Match for his terrific display during the first Test at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium against Pakistan. Rahim’s virtuoso 191 runs in the first innings was crucial to securing a 10-wicket win for Bangladesh. Rahim’s performance gave the away side a fabulous first-innings lead of 117 and allowed Bangladesh to successfully chase just 20 runs after the hosts could only muster 146 runs in the second innings.
Rahim took the opportunity of accepting the Player of the Match award to mention the victims of the floods back home in Bangladesh. Reports say nearly 18 people lost their lives due to the floods, and Rahim, the 37-year-old cricketer, announced he would donate his prize money as a means of supporting the people affected by the floods.
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Mushfiqur Rahim stated: “I want to make an announcement, want to donate my prize money as there’s been flood back in Bangladesh” during the post-match presentation. Once again, Rahim was demonstrating his loyalty to his country, on the field and off the field.
Bangladesh’s veteran Mushfiqur Rahim donates his prize money to flood victims in Bangladesh. What a gesture 🇧🇩❤️❤️❤️#PAKvBAN #tapmad #HojaoADFree pic.twitter.com/nsmFdv04iM
— Zeeshan (Shani) (@ShaniInfluncer) August 25, 2024
While reflecting on his innings, Rahim spoke about how it was one of the best performances of his international career. Rahim emphasized how important it was to win, particularly since Bangladesh has not collected too many wins while playing Test cricket abroad.
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According to Rahim, this victory would give Bangladesh’s confidence a much-needed boost. He also praised his teammates and the coaching staff for the preparation leading up to the series by saying, “This is one of my finest (knocks) so far, because we haven’t done that well overseas. All the players prepared well in Pakistan and back home as well”. Rahim also mentioned how playing for your country has always been an inspiration for him.
Najmul Hossain Shanto, captain of Bangladesh, had no reservations in praising Rahim. He commended the cricketer for his work ethic and consistency in the series, and Hossain noted that, “You played for the pride, for the pride of the country, and the others would respond to that.”