Published on 10:39 PM, March 18, 2023

I was learning constantly from him: Hridoy

Hridoy batting with Shakib during the first ODI against Ireland today. Photo: Firoz Ahmed

Towhid Hridoy was in fantastic touch in his debut ODI, notching a 85-ball 92. Having just made it to the national setup in the T20I series against England, he made his mark in his very first game, putting up two healthy partnerships with Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim.

The 135-run partnership with Shakib set up the platform for Bangladesh's highest total in ODIs of 338 against Ireland today.

Hridoy talked about being able to set up the stage along with Shakib.

"It was a great feeling batting with Shakib bhai. He is such an experienced batter. I was learning constantly from him. I really enjoyed it.," Hridoy said.

There was a change in approach that Shakib has recently tried to trigger. In South Africa during the first ODI last year, Shakib went after Kagiso Rabada ahead of the death overs to force a change in South Africa's death over plan. It was going against the grain of the team's usual thought process but it led to Bangladesh getting past 300 for the first time in South Africa.

Today Shakib was at it again, guiding Hridoy, who carried his fluency from BPL, along the way. He talked about his conversations with Shakib. Was Shakib talking to him a lot or giving him space to express himself?

"He was doing both [giving me space to express myself and talking to me]. He was giving me advice on how to go about things. When I thought I needed something, I asked him. He was encouraging me, telling to bat as deep as possible," he replied.

Hridoy attained the highest score by a Bangladesh batter in ODI debut. Eight more runs would have seen him get the world record for highest knock in ODI debut coming in at number five. Eight runs would have also seen him score a hundred on debut.

Asked if he had any regrets, he said: "I could have been out early. I am happy with what I got. I got what I was in my Rizq (provision). Hopefully I will do better next time. I have no regrets."