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MNA Sports Desk: Mashrafe Mortaza is set to play his last ODI as captain in the third and final match against Zimbabwe on Friday. He made the announcement at a pre-match press conference in Sylhet on Thursday.
Under Mashrafe, Bangladesh fortified their status as a rising force of ODI cricket. He led Bangladesh to the semi-final of the 2017 Champions Trophy and the quarter-final of the 2015 World Cup, after taking over as the white-ball captain in November 2014. This was his third stint as captain, after he was first named as Bangladesh captain way back in 2009. However, he had to give up the role the following year due to multiple injuries.
His announcement comes after BCB President Nazmul Hassan, prior to the ODI series, had said that they would look for a new captain after this series. Mashrafe, however, has said that he will continue as a player.
In all, Mashrafe led in 87 ODIs, winning 49. Bangladesh also won 10 T20Is in 28 matches under his captaincy. He led in only one Test, against West Indies in Kingston in 2009, which Bangladesh won.
If Bangladesh win the upcoming ODI match against Zimbabwe, the milestone of the 50th win will be recorded under the leadership of Mashrafe, who made his senior team debut in 2001.
However, Friday’s ODI in Sylhet will bring the curtains down on a decorated era, led by the 36-year-old captain, in the country’s 50-over cricket.
The long-standing skipper simply declared an end to his role, thanking all for being with him on his long path of leadership.
“Friday’s ODI is the last match under my leadership. I would like to thank the Bangladesh Cricket Board for keeping trust in me for such a long time. I would also like to thank all cricketers who played under my leadership for Bangladesh. I am sure the process was not simple and it is not easy to continue a travel for four or five years long,” Mashrafe said.
