Mushfiqur Bangladesh's run-machine: Captain Mortaza

Mirpur, April 18 (IANS) Bangladesh cricket captain Mashrafe Mortaza on Saturday lauded the performance of wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim, calling him the team's "run machine".

Mushfiqur scored a blistering 77-ball 106 in Bangladesh’s long-awaited win against Pakistan at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium here on Friday. The hosts won the match by 79 runs, ending a 16-year wait for a win against the 1992 World Champions, reports bdnews.24.com.

“Mushfiq is now Bangladesh’s run-machine. The way he scored in the last 2-3 years is extraordinary. The best players in the world play like this. But he is not overwhelmed. It may be good for him. I hope he keeps playing the way he is for the team," Mashrafe said ahead of Sunday's second One-Day International (ODI) against Pakistan.

Former ODI captain, Mushfiqur put up a commanding batting show from the outset on Friday, dictating Pakistani bowlers by playing inside-out with ease. He danced down the track to Wahab Riaz, Junaid Khan and Rahat Ali and lofted the ball on both sides of the wicket.

“Even when no one is practicing, he trains alone. He calls out 10-12 net bowlers and trains. Actually, his tremendous will to play well has brought him here,” said the skipper.