Dubai International Cricket Stadium holds a special place in Towhid Hridoy’s heart, for sure. It was here that he scored his maiden ODI century during the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy in February. After Bangladesh collapsed to 35/5 against India, Hridoy stood tall, forging a marathon 154-run partnership for the sixth wicket with Jaker Ali, facing 206 balls.
Despite severe cramps slowing his running between the wickets under the scorching UAE heat, he refused to give in. Hridoy walked off after a resilient 100-run innings off 118 balls, marking a defining moment in his career.
Fast forward to the Asia Cup, and Hridoy was back at the same ground for a Super Four run chase against Sri Lanka. His start was cautious and steady, reflecting his recent form in the tournament.
But after 15 balls, he unleashed his first boundary. A massive six off a tossed-up delivery from Dunith Wellalage. Shuffling slightly to adjust to the line, Hridoy got under the ball and sent it soaring 97 meters over deep midwicket.
Vintage Hridoy! This was exactly the spark Bangladesh were hoping for. In the rest of the innings, he struck Kamindu Mendis for two boundaries and a six with his trademark pull shot off a short ball.
Bangladesh chased down 169 with four wickets in hand and one ball to spare. Hridoy contributed 58 runs off 37 balls at a strike rate of 156, including two sixes and four boundaries. He shared crucial partnerships of 54 and 45 runs with Saif Hassan and Shamim Hossain, respectively.
Earlier in the tournament, Hridoy’s performances had come under scrutiny. Against Hong Kong in Abu Dhabi, he scored 35* off 36 balls, a safe innings criticized for lack of acceleration. He also mentioned in the post-match press conference that he was struggling and wanted to come out of it.
Against Sri Lanka in the following match, he survived a miscued leading edge to Charith Asalanka but was run out at the non-striker’s end on the very next ball. In the do-or-die clash against Afghanistan, he managed just 26 off 20 balls, leaving questions about his intent at the crease.
For Hridoy, it was no longer just about scoring runs, his intent and approach were under the microscope. Before this match, Bangladesh’s No.4 position seemed like a missing link in the team. But in Dubai, he repaid the trust of the team management and captain. His bat rejoiced when it mattered most, proving once again that Hridoy is a player for big moments.
