Rahim donates prize money to flood victims, Shanto pays tribute to protesters

On August 25 (Sunday), It was a historic day for Bangladesh cricket as their senior men’s team registered their maiden Test win against Pakistan at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi. The win acted as a balm to what has been a painful last three months for people in Bangladesh as they saw deadly student protests and the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. 

Najmul Hossain Shanto, captain of the side, paid tribute to nearly 300 people who died during the protests, which included children as well. 

“We are paying tribute to the individuals who recently passed away in our nation during the protest and praying for their souls,” Shanto said in his post-match interview after Bangladesh’s 10-wicket win on the fifth day of the first Test of the two-match series. 

“Last night. I spoke with my wife. She said, if you win tomorrow it can be a perfect day,” he added. 

Mushfiqur Rahim, who played the decisive knock of 191, which turned pivotal in giving the Tigers a 117-run first-innings lead, was declared the Player of the Match for his performance. The veteran wicket-keeper donated the prize money to the rescue and relief of the flood victims back home. 

“You know flood-affected people back home in Bangladesh, so I just want to donate this money and request all my countrymen, those who can, to donate it for the cause,” Rahim said. 

Right after the protests ended and an interim government was set up till fresh elections were held, floodwaters washed away the dreams of many of seeing a better Bangladesh. Nearly five million people have been affected by the worst floods since 2018 in the nation. The death toll rose to 18 by Saturday (August 24) evening. 

This was Bangladesh’s only seventh overseas Test win in history and the first by a margin of 10 wickets. Bangladesh became the first team in the world to beat Pakistan in Pakistan by a margin of 10 wickets in Tests.  

Speaking about the achievement, Rahim said, “This is one of my finest performances so far. We haven't done well overseas. Credit goes to not only me but all the players for the way they prepared themselves throughout this tour in Pakistan and also back home.”

The second Test of the series will be played at this very ground in Rawalpindi from August 30 onwards. Bangladesh lead the series 1-0

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