Miraz Shines as a Perfect All-Rounder in Win Over Zimbabwe

A five-wicket haul with the ball and a century with the bat — Mehidy Hasan Miraz proved once again why he's considered a complete all-rounder. His outstanding performance led Bangladesh to victory against Zimbabwe. With this match, Miraz joined elite company, becoming only the second Bangladeshi player after Shakib Al Hasan to achieve the double of 200 wickets and 2000 runs — and he did it in fewer matches.

Naturally, the post-match press conference brought up the question: Is Miraz the next Shakib?

However, Miraz humbly rejected the comparison. “Look, the achievements of Shakib bhai are immense — we all know that. Everyone keeps asking this question. Shakib bhai played his role in his own way. I started my career as a bowler and gradually improved my batting. Since I can bat, I’ve worked hard to enhance it. The team has supported me a lot. I’ve tried to develop myself in that direction, but I want to play the game in my own way,” he said.

Clarifying his role further, Miraz added, “When Shakib bhai was in the team, the roles were different. Now it’s a new setup. The team management trusts me with the bat, and I also believe my batting is important. Perhaps I’m playing a leading role now, which Shakib bhai did before. With that comes greater responsibility, and I believe I should take it on and perform. Sometimes things will go well, sometimes they won’t — but the process must stay consistent.”

Miraz also responded to criticism regarding his weakness against short-pitched bowling. In the previous match, he was dismissed by a short ball from Blessing Muzarabani, which led to some pointed questions. But this time, Miraz turned the tables by hitting a six off a similar delivery.

“You all asked before if I struggle with bouncers. Today I hit one for six. They couldn’t do anything this time. I’ve scored off bouncers before too — mistakes can happen. Even the best players in the world make mistakes. I took it as a challenge and told myself I would hit it for six — and I did.”

Reflecting on his century, Miraz added that he could’ve had more hundreds if he hadn’t missed earlier chances. “There were several chances earlier in my career, but I couldn’t capitalize. Otherwise, I might’ve had four or five centuries by now,” he said.