Mehidy leans on patience to produce timely ton in Australia tour game
Bangladesh all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz said that he reaped the benefits of taking his time rather than purely focusing on scoring runs on the opening day of the three-day practice match against Cricket Australia XI at Darwin on Thursday (August 6).Mehidy, who lost his ODI captaincy last month, has come under scrutiny in the recent past for not making noteworthy contributions, but the experienced campaigner gave a timely reminder of his worth with a fighting, unbeaten century against the host team.Bangladesh endured another top-order wobble, and were reduced to 158/7, before Mehidy pulled a rescue act with his unbeaten on 109 off 141 deliveries. The innings, decorated with 11 fours and four sixes, saw him add 30 runs alongside Hasan Mahmud, before sharing a crucial 69-run last-wicket stand with Khaled Ahmed (15) which lifted Bangladesh to 263 in 75.5 overs.Off-spinner Corey Rocchiccioli did most of the damage, finishing with outstanding figures of 6-83 from 24 over. Later, Bangladesh reduced the hosts to 51 for 2 at stumps, with Hasan Mahmud and Taskin Ahmed claiming a wicket each.After the day's play, Mehidy said that patience, and adapting to the unfamiliar conditions, were the key to his innings."It was a bit challenging at the beginning. I just tried to play according to merit. Their bowlers bowled in very good areas," he said."It was a little difficult for me since this is my first time playing in these conditions. I tried to adjust," he added.The Bangladesh all-rounder said he was focused on understanding the wicket rather than scoring quickly."I tried to build partnerships. Early on, I wasn't looking to score runs. I was trying to figure out how to adapt to the wicket. Later, when I got the opportunity, scoring runs became easier. That was my thought process," he explained.The unbeaten century also gave Mehidy a timely confidence boost ahead of the first Test against Australia."Of course, with a Test match coming up, this century will give me confidence. If I can continue with the mindset I had today, it will be good for me. It will also be good for the team," he said.
