Mahmudullah was dropped from the 2023 Asia Cup squad, but received a call-up for the three ODIs against New Zealand in September. He was picked to play his fourth World Cup and is currently Bangladesh’s leading run-scorer in the tournament, with scores of 41 not out, 46 and 111 in three innings.

Mahmudullah, who has batted at every position between No.3 and No.9 in his ODI career, played at eight against New Zealand earlier in the World Cup, and at seven against India. He came in a spot higher against South Africa, and indicated his displeasure at the constant shuffling while talking to the media.

“I can’t say anything regarding that [batting down the order], though I do want to talk about a lot of things, but probably this is not the right time to talk about it. Yesterday the coach told me that I’m going to bat at number six. So that’s it. I just go out there and try to play my game. And that’s it. Nothing really special.”

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Since the home series against England, Mahmudullah did not play a single ODI for six months between March to September this year; the selectors explained that he had been “rested” – even when he had not requested for the same: “I think I was rested a little too much. It’s not in my control. It’s their decision, the team’s decision. The team management did what it thought was good for the team.

“Those who supported me at that time, I thank you all very much. And those who didn’t support me, I thank them also.

“Allah has given me the strength to keep going. I have tried to maintain my fitness and to work hard. I have nothing else to do beyond that.”