Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz was taken to hospital for observation after suffering a concussion during his side’s memorable ODI series-clinching victory over Australia in Dhaka on Thursday.The all-rounder, who played through visible discomfort to guide Bangladesh to their first-ever bilateral ODI series win over Australia, was struck on the side of his helmet by a sharp Riley Meredith bouncer during the chase.Despite collapsing to his knees after the blow and later reportedly vomiting during treatment, Mehidy refused to leave the field and carried his side over the line with an unbeaten 22, sealing the victory with a six over fine leg.
Concussion scare after blow to helmet
The incident occurred in the 34th over of Bangladesh’s innings. Team physio Bayjedul Islam Khan immediately attended to Mehidy, while Australia’s team doctor also joined the on-field assessment. A stretcher was brought onto the ground as a precaution.Although clearly distressed, the Bangladesh skipper resumed his innings and completed the chase in dramatic fashion.“Mehidy Hasan Miraz had a concussion during the match today,” Bangladesh team physio Bayjedul Islam Khan said after the game.“He continued to play after being assessed in the middle. We have sent him to the hospital to assess the rest of his signs and for general observation. He will be there for the next 24 hours,” he added.Team officials later confirmed that Mehidy was out of danger but would remain under observation. Vice-captain Najmul Hossain Shanto attended the post-match presentation ceremony in his absence.
Bangladesh create history
Earlier, Bangladesh’s pace bowlers had rocked Australia after the visitors opted to bat first in the rain-affected contest.Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman reduced the tourists to 0 for 3 before half-centuries from Marnus Labuschagne and Xavier Bartlett helped Australia recover to 187 for 8 in their allotted 42 overs.Set a revised target of 192 in 41 overs, Bangladesh received valuable contributions from Soumya Sarkar (42), Shanto (41) and Towhid Hridoy, who remained unbeaten on 40.But it was Mehidy who fittingly applied the finishing touch, helping the hosts reach the target in the 35th over and secure a landmark series triumph over one of the world’s most successful ODI teams.The third and final ODI will be played in Dhaka on Sunday before the teams head to Chattogram for a three-match T20I series.
