There is a proverb in Bengali, "Who can be killed if Allah guards him”?" If you think about Mahmudullah Riyadh's journey to the World Cup, then this adage should fit perfectly. Riyad's smiling face tells how satisfied he is inside. Why not be satisfied? Got a chance to score a century in the World Cup. This was against South Africa where the rest of the team's batsmen had nothing to say, while Riyad was the lone sailor of a sinking ship. He is a warrior who knows how to fight in all situations.
This year, after the England series at home, he was not getting a chance in the national team. After that, he was not in a series against either Ireland or Afghanistan at home. He was not even included in the Asia Cup squad. As a result, many saw the end of Riyad in international cricket. But Riyad proved everyone wrong. With 41 against New Zealand in the World Cup, 46 against India and a century against South Africa on Tuesday, Riyad seemed to reminisce about his old days.
But, I said one thing at the beginning. Although he did not get a chance in the Asia Cup, he was regularly coming to practice in Mirpur. At that time he tried as much as possible to return to the old rhythm, if there was an opportunity.
Fortune always favors the hardworking. So God may have given Riyad a chance to come back again. He used it very well. And by scoring the third century of his one-day career against South Africa, he proved that he has not grown old or worn out.