Miraz Breaks Short-Ball Shackles with Spectacular Century in Chattogram

Mehidy Hasan Miraz has never been a fan of the short ball. His maiden Test century in 2021, achieved right here in Chattogram against the West Indies, revealed a vulnerability that opponents quickly capitalized on. Since then, teams have crafted a specific strategy against him, denying him width to cut or drive through cover and third man. Instead, they pepper him with bouncers aimed at his right shoulder, a tactic that has proven effective.

Miraz’s struggle to reach a fifty since that memorable innings highlights how teams have adjusted their approach. Opponents have learned not to pitch outside off-stump to him, knowing he can cut or late-cut with ease. Pitching it full invites him to drive with an open face, a shot he executes deftly, which is clearly reflected in his wagon wheel more than half of his runs come through cover and point, whether facing pace or spin.

At lunch on the third day in Chattogram, this pattern was evident. His shot distribution told a familiar story, revealing how opponents had limited his scoring options.

But then Zimbabwe’s fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani changed tactics. Reverting to the short-ball plan, with three fielders on the leg-side boundary, Muzarabani aimed to bounce Miraz out. The plan was to unsettle him with quick, rising deliveries and take his wicket.

Muzarabani had reason to believe it would work. He had previously dismissed Miraz with a sharp bouncer in Sylhet. When asked about his perceived weakness to short-pitched deliveries, Miraz had confidently dismissed the notion, saying, “I’ve scored runs off bouncers too.”

Despite the slow pitch, Muzarabani persisted with the short ball. This time, Miraz had a different response. He pulled a fierce shot over the leg-side fielders for six, sending the ball soaring into the stands. That shot not only took him into the 90s but also shattered Zimbabwe’s plan. Muzarabani was not brought back for a second spell.

Two overs later, Miraz reached his second Test century, flicking a ball off his pads for a boundary. He was eventually dismissed for 104 off 162 balls, with 11 fours and that emphatic six that stole the show.

That six post-matches became a talking point, symbolizing Miraz’s resilience and ability to adapt under pressure, and highlighting how a single shot can change the course of a game.