Bangladesh all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz has dedicated his Player of the Series award to the students killed during the anti-discrimination protests back home, after his team claimed a historic Test series win against Pakistan in Rawalpindi today (September 3).
Bangladesh endured weeks of political instability owing to the crackdown of the Sheikh Hasina regime on protestors fighting against the government’s reservation policies. Thousands were dead as Hasina and her party, Awami League, were accused of extra-judicial killings. The former prime minister eventually fled the country, leaving a power vacuum, with Nobel laureate professor Muhammad Yunus taking charge of an interim government.
Bangladesh's 2-0 series whitewash over Pakistan came in the aftermath of the tumultuous times the country has gone through, with Miraz being the standout performer. He was the player of the series for his 10 wickets at an average of 18.60 and 155 runs at 77.50.
Shakib Al Hasan 4⃣
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) September 3, 2024
Mushfiqur Rahim 9⃣
Mehidy Hasan Miraz❓
One Bangladesh player received a perfect 10 for their performances against Pakistan! 🇧🇩
Full ratings ➡️ https://t.co/uq2JOJ6Xrx pic.twitter.com/fcelfCi2QP
Mehidy Hasan Miraz dedicates Player of the Series award to killed protestors
Upon receiving a cash prize of 500,000 PKR, Miraz dedicated his entire prize money to the numerous casualties, including the students, who passed away during the protest.
"You all know that recently there's been trouble in our country. I want to dedicate this Man of the Series Award to the people who passed away during the anti-discrimination protest," Mehidy said in the post-match presentation. "There was one rickshaw puller who was injured and later on passed away. I want to gift this award to them."
In the second Test, Bangladesh scripted a remarkable turnaround, courtesy of Litton Das’s 138 and Miraz’s 78, helping them to recover from 26-6. The rescue acts were followed by a brilliant bowling display by the pacers, skittling Pakistan for a low score in the third innings. The tourists chased down 185 comfortably with six wickets remaining, sealing a historic series victory.
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