Mohammad Rafique is a former Bangladeshi all‑rounder and one of the country’s pioneering cricketers. A left‑arm orthodox spinner and handy lower‑order batter, Rafique played a crucial role in Bangladesh’s early years in international cricket, including their inaugural Test in 2000. He was Bangladesh’s first bowler to take 100 Test wickets, establishing himself as a cornerstone of their bowling attack.
Personal Profile
- Full Name: Mohammad Rafique
- Born: 5 September 1970, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Age: 55 years (as of 2026)
- Batting Style: Left‑handed
- Bowling Style: Slow left‑arm orthodox
- Role: All‑rounder
- Domestic/Franchise Teams: Bangladesh, Asia XI, Dhaka Division, Sylhet Division, Dhaka Warriors
Mohammad Rafique Statistics
| Format | Matches | Runs | Bat Avg | 100s/50s | Highest Score | Wickets | Best Bowling | Bowl Avg | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 33 | 1,059 | 18.6 | 1/4 | 111 | 100 | 6/77 | 40.8 | |
| ODIs | 125 | 1,191 | 13.4 | 0/2 | 77 | 125 | 5/47 | 38.0 | |
| T20Is | 1 | 13 | 13.0 | – | 13 | 1 | 3/17 | 24.0 |
Career Highlights
- Inaugural Test: Played in Bangladesh’s first Test match vs India (Nov 2000).
- Historic Spell: Took 6/77 vs South Africa in 2003, Bangladesh’s best bowling figures at the time.
- Milestone: First Bangladeshi to reach 100 Test wickets.
- All‑Round Contribution: Scored a Test century (111) against the West Indies, proving his batting ability.
- Leading Spinner: Dominated Bangladesh’s spin department in the 2000s, paving the way for future stars like Shakib Al Hasan.
Style of Play
- Bowling: Accurate, rhythmical left‑arm spin, effective in breaking partnerships.
- Batting: Lower‑order fighter, capable of valuable runs under pressure.
- Temperament: Resilient, often shouldering responsibility in Bangladesh’s formative cricketing years.
Legacy
Mohammad Rafique is remembered as Bangladesh’s first great spinner and a trailblazer in their cricketing journey. His contributions with both bat and ball gave the team credibility in its early Test years. He remains a respected figure in Bangladeshi cricket history, inspiring the next generation of spinners.
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