Mashrafe Mortaza calls it quits from T20I cricket

Bangladesh limited overs skipper Mashrafe Mortaza has called it quits from T20I cricket and the ongoing two-match series against Sri Lanka will be his last. While the opening T20I is being played today, the final encounter will be played on 6th April which will be the last T20I match for Mortaza. Mortaza has been a pillar of Bangladesh cricket over the years and has been involved in many memorable triumphs with the team.

Taking to their twitter handle, Hindustan Times broke the news of his retirement. The right arm medium fast bowler has led his troops to perfection especially in the last two years and has led them to memorable ODI series triumphs off late. The Bangla Tigers defeated Pakistan, India and South Africa at home by 2-1 margins and also went on to put up impressive performances on the Test circuit.

#Bangladesh's #MashrafeMortaza has announced his retirement from T20 cricket pic.twitter.com/qAy5oxkFpC

— HT Sports (@HTSportsNews) April 4, 2017

Making his debut for Bangladesh way back in 2001, Mortaza has evolved as a player over the years and has learnt to rely on his strengths rather than trying to get his limitations right. He has been a consistent performer for Bangladesh especially in the limited overs format and has bagged 225 wickets in 172 ODI’s.

The fast bowler hasn’t been at his best in the recent past and with the age taking a toll, it is perhaps the best decision on Mortaza’s part to retire from the shortest format. Meanwhile, Bangladesh played some terrific cricket during the Test and the ODI series with both series ending in a 1-1 scoreline.

More to follow……