Mominul Haque Achieves Historic Milestone In Kanpur Test

Mominul Haque’s name will now forever be etched in the annals of Bangladesh cricket history after his impressive century in India, joining an elite group of Bangladeshi cricketers to achieve such a feat. His gritty 172-ball innings during the second Test in Kanpur stands as a testament to his resilience and batting prowess, marking his 13th Test century.

Mominul Haque’s return to form

Batting in India is no easy task, especially against world-class spinners like Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. Mominul had to navigate these conditions, and his century becomes even more impressive given the challenges that come with playing in India. Only Mushfiqur Rahim, another Bangladeshi great, has managed to score a Test century in India before Mominul.

Bangladesh’s innings didn’t start well, with two early wickets falling cheaply, leaving them at 29/2. Walking in at number three, Mominul faced immense pressure to prevent another collapse. His ability to absorb the pressure and build an innings was key to Bangladesh’s revival.

At a critical juncture, Mominul found a reliable partner in captain Najmul Hossain Shanto. Together, they stitched together a valuable 51-run partnership that helped Bangladesh recover from their poor start. Shanto’s contribution was steady, but Mominul was the anchor, pacing his innings with precision.

Facing India’s spin duo, Mominul displayed a masterclass in playing spin. He used the sweep shot to perfection, often putting Ashwin and Jadeja on the back foot. His balance at the crease and ability to pick the length quickly were crucial to his success. Mominul’s shot selection was judicious, with 16 boundaries and a single six sprinkled throughout his innings, demonstrating his control over the bowlers.

Mominul’s century milestone

It was a sweep shot through backward square leg that brought Mominul his 13th Test century, a moment of relief and pride for the southpaw. His 100 came off 172 deliveries, marked by an array of classy shots around the ground. Reaching triple figures in India, especially on a surface assisting the bowlers, is a monumental achievement.

Mominul’s century puts him in the same league as Mushfiqur Rahim, who had previously been the only Bangladeshi batter to score a century in India. Mushfiqur’s 127-run knock came during Bangladesh’s 2017 tour of India.

Bangladesh’s position in 2nd Test

The second and third days of the match were heavily affected by rain, leading to interruptions that could have unsettled any batter. Despite the disruptions, Mominul managed to stay focused, ensuring that he didn’t lose his rhythm when play resumed.

While Mominul held one end, the rest of Bangladesh’s middle-order crumbled. After the dismissal of Shanto, Mominul found little support from his teammates. At the close of Day 4, Bangladesh stood at 205/6, with just five sessions remaining in the match. The Test remains in a delicate balance, and the final day will decide whether Bangladesh can push for a draw or if India will capitalize on their advantage.

Mominul Haque has been a mainstay in Bangladesh’s Test lineup for years. With over 4,200 runs and an average of 37, he remains one of Bangladesh’s most reliable Test batters. His 13 centuries and 19 half-centuries place him among the top performers in the team’s history, alongside legends like Mushfiqur Rahim, Tamim Iqbal, and Shakib Al Hasan.