Sabbir subdued yet not out still

There was a time when Sabbir Rahman's batting had Bangladesh cricket fans at the edge of their seats. It now may seem like a distant past since the last time he scored a memorable knock–a century– was against New Zealand in 2019.

Former Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza was one of the senior players who did not shy away from admiring the promising talent, known for his batting aggression and elegance, the likes of which the Tigers were searching for a long time. Unfortunately, for Sabbir and his country, instead of fulfilling his immense potential, the lad kept hogging the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.  

Now, after a long wait of more than three years, Sabbir made his presence felt by striking a scintillating ton for Legends of Rupganj in their Dhaka Premier League encounter against Rupganj Tigers Cricket Club at the BKSP today.

Sabbir had hit eight boundaries and as many sixes on his way to a 111-ball 125 and helped his side amass 325 for five in 50 overs. During his innings, he found two able companions in Naeem Islam and Chirag Jani to stitch two vital partnerships of 113 and 95 runs, respectively. In-form Chirag's unbeaten 95 runs off 66, laced with six fours and seven sixes, was also pivotal for Legends' huge score.

Sabbir's century against New Zealand in Dunedin in 2019 remains his solitary ton in national colours, after which, having been discarded from the national side, he failed to reach three figures at the domestic level ever since.

Thus, today's knock–his third in 'A' list cricket–would bring much relief to the 30-year-old and could trigger the revival of a derailed talent.