Saturday was originally scheduled as a travel day for both Bangladesh and Ireland. However, with the Sylhet Test finishing inside four days, the hosts grabbed the opportunity to fly early to Dhaka — the venue for the second and final Test of the series.

Ireland, meanwhile, remained committed to their initial plan, staying back in Sylhet before flying to the capital on Sunday morning.

While the visitors and most of the Bangladesh squad enjoyed an extended break, veteran wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim refused to waste a single moment. The 38-year-old, set to become the first Bangladeshi cricketer to reach the 100-Test milestone, turned up at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Saturday morning for a personal batting session.

He is expected to arrive early again on Monday, ahead of the team’s official training — another reminder of his relentless commitment to preparation, a hallmark of his distinguished 20-year career.

According to team sources, Mushfiqur had already informed the support staff of his plans before leaving Sylhet. Ground personnel ensured the nets and facilities were ready to his specifications before he even arrived in Dhaka.

“He made sure everything was ready for him,” a BCB official told Daily Sun on Sunday. “When he was still in Sylhet, he spoke to us clearly about what he wanted to do and how he wanted the nets prepared. We set the ground accordingly.”

Widely regarded as one of Bangladesh’s most disciplined and dedicated cricketers, Mushfiqur’s work ethic is often cited as a key reason behind his longevity and consistency — especially in the longest format, where he remains the country’s highest run-scorer.

The Dhaka Test, beginning Wednesday, carries significance beyond personal glory. Following Bangladesh’s innings win in Sylhet, he will be determined to help secure a clean sweep against Ireland and reinforce the team’s momentum.

For Bangladesh, the match represents a proud moment in their Test journey, with one of their finest ambassadors preparing to join an exclusive global club — and doing so in quintessential Mushfiqur style: quietly, diligently, and always a step ahead.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board is preparing a formal celebration to mark the occasion. It is understood that Mushfiqur will be honoured with a commemorative crest and a special blazer, while his family will be invited to attend a grand ceremony either before or during the Dhaka Test.

The board is also considering using one of the iconic images from Bangladesh’s 100th Test — played against Sri Lanka in Colombo in 2017 — as part of the tribute. Bangladesh won that match by four wickets under Mushfiqur’s captaincy, adding symbolic resonance as he leads the nation into another historic moment.

Supporters are planning their own tribute as well. A dedicated Mushfiqur fan group is preparing to attend the match wearing specially designed “100” shirts, aiming to create a celebratory atmosphere in Mirpur.