Birthday special: Abdur Razzak – Top 3 performances in international cricket

Abdur Razzak, during his cricketing days, was one of the finest spinners that Bangladesh had ever witnessed in their team. Though he could not develop himself as a Test bowler, he was terrific in the shorter formats of the game. His journey was quite topsy-turvy in international cricket as he made his way into the team but had to majorly sit out after 2014.

But he put out his best in the domestic setup and earned his place back in the squad in the year 2018 when the team had to rest Shakib Al Hasan due to injury. He was a pivotal part of the Bangladesh squad during his peak days and became the first Bangladesh bowler to scalp 200 ODI wickets and 500 first-class wickets. On his birthday, let us have a look at his top three performances in international cricket-

3. 5/30 vs Zimbabwe in 2010

Abdur Razzak and Shakib  had an amazing outing at their home when they hosted Zimbabwe for three ODIs in December 2010. Batting first, Zimbabwe thought of scoring some big runs, but thanks to Razzak, who crushed their dream by bagging an amazing five-wicket haul, they ended up on the losing side. Razzak started the destruction when he picked the top-order batter Regis Chakabva and went on to continue his good form by picking the final wicket of the game. The hosts went on the chase the score and win the game.

2. 4/16 vs South Africa in 2008

While playing in away conditions in South Africa, Razzak registered his best bowling figures of the format in the only T20I that the two teams played in November 2008 in Johannesburg. A rain-affected match was reduced to 14 overs per side, but Razzak was brilliant during his spell as he overshadowed the South African batters, picked a four-wicket haul for just 16 runs. Bangladesh lost the fixture, but Razzak was adjudged the Player of the match for his outstanding show.

1. 5/29 vs Zimbabwe in 2009

Razzak’s best bowling figures in the ODI format came against Zimbabwe when Bangladesh hosted the team in October 2009 for an ODI series. Razzak was terrific with the ball as he managed to provide his team with the regular breakthroughs against the Men in Red, and went on to bag a five-wicket haul by dishing out the opponents. Bangladesh batters chased down the total with 123 balls to spare to win the game by seven wickets.