Mushfiqur Rahim Becomes First BAN Player To Reach 6000 Test Runs Against SA. In a historic moment for Bangladesh cricket, veteran batter Mushfiqur Rahim etched his name into the annals of Test cricket by becoming the first player from the nation to score over 6,000 Test runs. This monumental achievement came during Bangladesh’s ongoing Test series against South Africa at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka, where Mushfiqur displayed his trademark grit and skill.
The match, which saw South Africa in a commanding position after two days of play, provided the stage for Mushfiqur Rahim to reach this significant milestone, a feat that underscores his importance to Bangladesh cricket as its most dependable middle-order batter over the years.
Mushfiqur Rahim Road to 6,000 Test Runs
Mushfiqur Rahim, widely regarded as one of Bangladesh’s finest cricketers, reached the 6,000-run mark during Bangladesh’s second innings of the first Test against South Africa. Late on Day 2, Mushfiqur reverse-swept South African spinner Keshav Maharaj for a boundary, taking him past the elusive 6,000-run barrier in his 93rd Test match. Mushfiqur achieved the feat in the 26th over of Bangladesh’s innings, playing an aggressive and controlled knock to steady the ship for his team after a top-order collapse.
At the time of achieving this record, Mushfiqur Rahim stood at 6,003 runs, with 11 centuries and 27 half-centuries to his name, averaging a respectable 38.48. He has been a pillar for Bangladesh in Test cricket, contributing significantly with both the bat and his experience since his debut in 2005.
The Context of the Milestone
The first Test between Bangladesh and South Africa saw the visitors take a commanding position after bowling out Bangladesh for a meager 106 runs in their first innings. South Africa capitalized on the situation, posting 308 in reply, thanks to a brilliant century from Kyle Verreynne (114) and taking a substantial lead of 202 runs.
In Bangladesh’s second innings, the team faced a familiar situation, losing two early wickets for just four runs. It was then that Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudul Hasan Joy (38*) put together a crucial partnership, with Rahim playing a key role in preventing further collapse.
Despite a difficult match situation, Rahim’s contribution was invaluable. His unbeaten 31* off 26 balls, with a strike rate of 119.23, was laced with three boundaries and was a reminder of his class and temperament. Together with Joy, Rahim added 42 runs for the fourth wicket, taking Bangladesh to 101/3 by the end of Day 2. This innings not only marked his 6,000-run milestone but also helped Bangladesh fight back in the match.
A Journey of Milestones: Mushfiqur Rahim Consistency Over the Years
Mushfiqur’s journey to 6,000 runs has been one of perseverance, skill, and consistent performances over the years. Since making his Test debut in 2005, Mushfiqur has been a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s middle order. His ability to play both aggressive and patient knocks has made him one of Bangladesh’s most valuable assets in the Test format.
Reaching the 6,000-run mark took Mushfiqur 93 Tests and 172 innings, demonstrating his longevity and consistency at the highest level. In addition to his Test achievements, Mushfiqur is also one of the leading run-scorers for Bangladesh in One-Day Internationals (ODIs), with over 6,000 runs to his name in that format as well.
Mushfiqur Place in Bangladesh Cricket History
Mushfiqur Rahim’s achievement of becoming the first Bangladesh player to score over 6,000 Test runs solidifies his place as one of the country’s all-time greats. His Test career has been marked by several key innings, often played under pressure, as he has frequently taken on the role of anchoring the innings when Bangladesh found themselves in difficult situations.
Tamim Iqbal, with 5,134 Test runs, remains the only other Bangladeshi batter to cross the 5,000-run mark. Shakib Al Hasan (4,609) and Mominul Haque (4,269) are the other leading run-scorers for Bangladesh, but Mushfiqur’s 6,000 runs put him in a league of his own.
Mushfiqur also holds several records for Bangladesh, including being the most-capped Test player for the nation, with 93 appearances in whites, and leading the side in both Test and ODI formats at various points in his career.
The First Players to Reach 6,000 Runs for Each Test-Playing Nation
Mushfiqur’s achievement places him in elite company, as he joins the ranks of legendary cricketers who were the first to reach 6,000 Test runs for their respective nations. Here’s a look at the first players to achieve this milestone for each Test-playing country:
| Team | Player | Date Reached | Matches Taken |
|---|---|---|---|
| England | Wally Hammond | December 24, 1938 | 70 |
| Australia | Don Bradman | January 1, 1948 | 45 |
| West Indies | Garfield Sobers | March 28, 1968 | 65 |
| India | Sunil Gavaskar | January 23, 1981 | 65 |
| Pakistan | Javed Miandad | August 6, 1987 | 86 |
| Sri Lanka | Aravinda de Silva | May 16, 2002 | 90 |
| South Africa | Gary Kirsten | November 8, 2002 | 86 |
| New Zealand | Stephen Fleming | August 15, 2005 | 96 |
| Bangladesh | Mushfiqur Rahim | October 21, 2024 | 93 |
As seen from the table, Mushfiqur Rahim’s 6,000 runs place him in the distinguished company of legendary players like Don Bradman, Sunil Gavaskar, and Wally Hammond. Notably, Don Bradman remains the fastest to 6,000 Test runs, achieving the milestone in just 45 matches, while Mushfiqur took 93 matches to reach the landmark.
Other Notable Achievements by Mushfiqur Rahim
In addition to his 6,000 Test runs, Mushfiqur Rahim has made several significant contributions to Bangladesh cricket. Some of his notable records include:
- Most Test matches for Bangladesh: With 93 matches, Mushfiqur is the most-capped Bangladesh Test player.
- Leading Test century maker: Mushfiqur has 11 Test centuries to his name, the most by a Bangladesh batter.
- Second-most Test fifties for Bangladesh: With 27 half-centuries, he is second only to Tamim Iqbal in terms of Test fifties for Bangladesh.
- Dependable middle-order batter: Mushfiqur’s position in the middle order has seen him play numerous crucial innings under pressure, helping Bangladesh secure vital victories and draws.
Mushfiqur has also played a key role in Bangladesh’s successes in One-Day Internationals (ODIs), where he has over 6,000 runs, including seven centuries.
Mushfiqu Contribution to Bangladesh International Success
Mushfiqur’s achievements in Test cricket go beyond personal milestones. His performances have played a critical role in Bangladesh’s rise as a competitive Test-playing nation. Over the years, he has been part of historic victories, including Bangladesh’s first-ever Test win over Australia in 2017 and the famous Test win against England in 2016.
His resilience, leadership, and commitment to the team have made him an inspirational figure for younger players in Bangladesh cricket. Mushfiqur’s contributions extend beyond the runs he scores; his experience and understanding of the game have helped shape the team’s approach to Test cricket, particularly in challenging conditions away from home.
Conclusion
Mushfiqur Rahim’s journey to becoming the first Bangladeshi player to score 6,000 Test runs is a testament to his skill, determination, and unwavering commitment to the game. He has been a pillar of strength for Bangladesh cricket, often delivering under immense pressure and leading from the front. His achievements place him in the elite company of some of the greatest players in cricket history, and his contribution to Bangladesh cricket will be remembered for years to come.
