Mahmudullah becomes first Bangladesh batter with three World Cup tons
Mahmudullah slammed a fighting century for Bangladesh in the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup encounter against South Africa at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The all-rounder remained Bangladesh's lone warrior as they were reduced to 81/6 while chasing a mammoth 383. Mahmudullah defied the odds and held one end while losing partners from the other. He now owns three tons in ODI World Cups.
A record-breaking ton for Mahmudullah
As mentioned, Mahmudullah has slammed his third century in the World Cup. He has become the first Bangladesh batter to have scored more than two World Cup tons. He broke a tie with Shakib Al Hasan, who owns two tons in the tournament. Notably, Mushfiqur Rahim is the only other Bangladesh batter with a World Cup century.
Mahmudullah fights alone
Mahmudullah kept on fighting alone as Bangladesh suffered turbulence while chasing 383. He somehow dragged SA to 150 and then took them past 220 along with Mustafizur Rahman. The result was a mere formality, but Mahmudullah's run-a-ball 111 (11 fours and 4 sixes) made headlines. Interestingly, Litton Das was the only other Bangladesh batter to have crossed the 20-run mark.
Mahmudullah gets past 5,200 ODI runs
Mahmudullah, who made his ODI debut in 2007, now has four centuries in the format. The Bangladesh batter has raced to 5,218 runs in 225 matches at an average of 36.23. The tally includes 27 half-centuries as well. Interestingly, each of Mahmudullah's four ODI tons have come away from home - three at neutral venues. Notably, this was his only 50+ score this year.
A look at the match summary
SA were in a spot of bother (36/2) after electing to bat. However, Quinton de Kock and Aiden Markram propelled SA past 150. Although the latter departed at 167, Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller (34*) fired in the last 10 overs, driving SA to 382/5. Bangladesh had a similar start, but Mahmudullah took them past 200. They lost by 149 runs despite Mahmudullah's ton.
