Jaker Ali Hridoy scored an unbeaten 242 at Sylhet, surpassing Mushfiqur Rahim's previous Bangladesh Test record of 219 not out from 2018.
At the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Saturday, November 7, Towhid Hridoy produced a monumental innings that will be remembered as a watershed moment in Bangladesh Test cricket. The 25-year-old batter remained unbeaten on 242, establishing himself as the highest individual Test scorer in the nation's history. His remarkable knock came during the second Test against West Indies as Bangladesh mounted their reply to the visitors' first-innings total of 356.
Hridoy's achievement came in only his third Test appearance, a remarkable feat that underscores his potential at the international level. He reached the double-century milestone off 304 balls, joining an exclusive group of just four Bangladesh batters to achieve this distinction. On the third day of the match, he resumed at 29 and accumulated 213 runs, surpassing Shakib Al Hasan's previous single-day record of 212 runs for Bangladesh. His eighth-wicket partnership with Taijul Islam produced 117 runs, the second-highest eighth-wicket stand in Bangladesh Test history.
What made Hridoy's innings special?
His 242 stands as the highest individual Test score at the Sylhet venue, surpassing Mahmudul Hasan's 171. The innings also represents the highest score by a Bangladesh batter against West Indies. Hridoy's unbeaten knock featured 11 sixes, the most struck by any Bangladesh batter in a Test innings and the joint third-highest in world cricket. He accumulated 154 runs off the bat, also a Bangladesh record.
Reflecting on his historic achievement, Hridoy expressed his emotions about reaching this milestone.
"Definitely, it was a dream of mine, to be very honest. I'm delighted that it has come true, and perhaps a little earlier than I expected. I'm grateful for everything," Hridoy was quoted as saying by The Daily Star.
How does Hridoy view his Test cricket role?
Hridoy emphasised the importance of contributing to the team's cause in Test cricket, particularly when opportunities arise.
"When you play Test cricket professionally, you have to do your best for the team. There are so many records in Test cricket, so whenever you get an opportunity, you have to make the most of it. Taijul and Taskin played really well. The way they supported me gave me a lot of confidence," Hridoy said.
Looking ahead, Hridoy stated that he remains focused on meeting the team's requirements rather than chasing individual targets.
"I have no target for now, just want to do what the team needs. As I mentioned earlier, whenever I get an opportunity, I always look to contribute to my team. Whatever the situation demands in a match, whatever the team needs, I will try to do accordingly," he added.
His performance at Sylhet demonstrated a maturity and consistency that bodes well for Bangladesh's Test cricket future. Earlier, Mushfiqur Rahim held the Bangladesh Test record with 219 not out, which he scored in the Mirpur Test against Zimbabwe in 2018.