Champions Trophy: Towhid puts Indian bowlers on notice with maiden ODI 100

Towhid took 114 balls to complete his maiden ODI century

Bangladesh batter Towhid Hridoy put the crowd on notice as he completed his maiden ODI century against India in the ICC Champions Trophy Group A match in Dubai. Towhid came out to bat when Bangladesh were reeling at 26 for 4 before being further reduced to 35 for 5. He then added 154 runs for the sixth wicket with Jaker Ali (68), first rescuing Bangladesh from trouble before completing his much-deserved century in 114 balls with the help of six fours and two sixes.  

Early struggles and setbacks 

Hridoy’s journey to international cricket has been marked by challenges and sacrifices. His early aspirations suffered a major setback when he was rejected by the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishtan (BKSP), the country’s premier sports institution. Further misfortune struck when his family’s savings were lost to a fraudulent cricket academy he had enrolled in. However, each setback only strengthened his resolve to succeed. 

 

 

A battle against the odds in Dubai 

His determination was on full display at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium during Bangladesh’s Champions Trophy opener against India. En route to his century, Hridoy experienced both joy and pain. As he reached 98, severe cramps restricted his movements, making every run a struggle. A desperate dive took him to 99, but with wickets falling around him and the relentless heat taking its toll, his body began to give up as he entered the nervous 90s. Earlier in the day, he had played a crucial role in stabilising Bangladesh’s innings, partnering with Jaker Ali to recover from a precarious 35 for 5.

 

Inspiration from a historic moment 

Hridoy’s passion for cricket was shaped by a defining moment in Bangladesh’s cricket history. Watching his idol, Mushfiqur Rahim, pick up a stump after Bangladesh’s shocking victory over India in the 2007 World Cup in Trinidad left a lasting impact on him. Growing up in Bogra, that image stayed with him, fuelling his dream of representing his country. Years later, he saw that very stump in person during a programme in Bogra—a moment that reinforced his determination to play for the national team.