Mahmudullah Riyad: The last of Bangladesh’s ‘Big Five’ calls it a day
Mahmudullah Riyad
A Legacy of Milestones and Records
Mahmudullah was an integral part of Bangladesh’s ‘Big Five’, alongside Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Mashrafe Bin Mortaza. Throughout his career, he redefined Bangladesh’s middle-order strength, playing crucial knocks across all three formats.
Mahmudullah Riyad retires from International Cricket
8 hrs ago
In ODIs, he scored 5,689 runs in 239 matches, averaging 36.46 with a strike rate of 77.64. His tally includes four centuries and 32 fifties, while he also contributed with the ball, taking 82 wickets at an economy of 5.21. He is Bangladesh’s fourth-highest run-getter in ODIs, trailing Tamim Iqbal (8,357), Mushfiqur Rahim (7,795), and Shakib Al Hasan (7,570).
Mahmudullah made history as the first Bangladeshi batter to score a century in an ICC event, notching up 103 against England in the 2015 World Cup. He followed it up with a 128 not out against New Zealand in the same tournament. In total, he scored four centuries in major ICC events (three in World Cups and one in the 2017 Champions Trophy), the most by a Bangladesh player.
The all-rounder also holds the record for most sixes by a Bangladeshi in ODIs (107) and T20Is (77), proving his ability as a powerful hitter in white-ball cricket.
Test and T20 Contributions
In Test cricket, Mahmudullah scored 2,914 runs in 50 matches at an average of 33.49, ranking sixth among Bangladesh’s highest Test run-getters. His unbeaten 150 against Zimbabwe in 2021—which came in his farewell Test—remains his highest score in the format.
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In T20Is, he amassed 2,444 runs in 141 matches at a strike rate of 117.38 and an average of 23.50, making him Bangladesh’s second-highest run-scorer in the format.
Captaincy and Leadership
Mahmudullah also had a significant role as a captain, leading Bangladesh in 43 T20Is—winning 16, losing 26, and one match yielding no result. As a T20I skipper, he scored 782 runs at an average of 23, including two half-centuries.
He captained Bangladesh in six Tests, securing one win against Zimbabwe (2018), a draw against Sri Lanka, and four losses. However, his batting average as a Test captain (59.44) was far superior to his overall Test average (33.49).
A Stalwart Bids Farewell
With his departure, Bangladesh loses one of its most dependable middle-order batters and a seasoned leader. His impact on Bangladesh cricket will be remembered for years, especially for his heroics in ICC events and his ability to steer the team through tough situations.
