After registering his highest ODI score in the series opener against Zimbabwe, Bangladesh batsman Imrul Kayes has still rated it as his ‘second-best’ innings.
Imrul smashed 140-ball 144 runs including 13 fours and 6 maximums against Zimbabwe which helped Tigers win by 28 runs in the first ODI at Mirpur.
Even after that, he feels his innings against Afghanistan is his best. He scored 72* off 89 against the Afghans in do-or-die Super Four match. It was the first time he batted at no.6 position. He was included for the match with a sudden call-up which is a reason for Imrul to keep this innings at the top. “I would keep the innings against Afghanistan ahead of everything as it was very special for me,” the left-hander said after Sunday’s match.
“I scored in a tournament like Asia Cup after I got a sudden call in the team. Obviously it was very challenging for me and I played that very well. I will put that ahead (of the knock against Zimbabwe) because it had helped me know my strength and limitations.
“When you score a century or play a good innings that helps your team win, it’s always a great feeling. I built up the innings at a crucial time and scored for the team which is a matter of joy for me,” he added.
Imrul’s 144 is the joint second-highest individual score by a Bangladeshi in ODIs. Mushfiqur Rahim also hit 144 (150 balls) against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup opener this year.
