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100 behind the stumps

AL MUSABBIR SADI from Colombo
Sri Lanka holds a special place in Khaled Mashud's heart. It was there that the Bangladesh wicketkeper-batsman scored his 1,000th one-day run during the Asia Cup in 2004. A year later he stands on the threshold of another personal milestone -- the first Bangladeshi cricketer to appear in 100 ODI matches.
Ironically, it will be at the Sinhalese Sports Club ground on Wednesday where the veteran Tiger would touch both the milestones. And to make the occasion memorable, his teammates will throw a party after the game.
"His playing 100 matches is encouraging for us," said Bangladesh skipper Habibul Bashar praising his long-time deputy on Tuesday.
"Nobody in the team deserves it better than Mashud does. We are excited and we will throw a party for him. We want to make the moment memorable for him because we are honoured to be beside him." Since making his international debut against India in the Asia Cup in 1995, the pragmatic Rajshahi stumper has managed to hold on to his mantle as the country's number one through determination, hard work and sheer mental strength.
And over the years the 29-year-old has not only been doing the enduring work of standing behind the stumps but has also climbed the ladder as a dependable batsman.
On the eve of his 100th match, Mashud took a trip down the memory lane.
"I was very excited before my debut. Getting a chance in the national team was really something. This event is also important but as a senior member of the team, I have more responsibility now," said Mashud while comparing his first match and the rare 'century'.
"The match itself is not different. But it will have a special place."
"There will be a time when our players will play 200 and 300 matches. But I definitely feel proud being the first Bangladeshi to achieve this milestone. In my first five years, I have hardly played 20 matches. Now, we play 18-20 matches in a year. So, the new boys have more chances to reach this landmark.
"The coaches at club and national levels have always been helpful to me and I will remember their contribution.
Mashud, who is nine shy of taking 100 victims in ODIs, also suggested that the youngsters must concentrate on hard work and discipline to have a long run as a player.
"Fitness is very important because wicketkeeping is a tough job. You have to focus yourself and always think about the game. Before a match, one should prepare meticulously like someone does before going to office. You also need a bit of luck to survive. Luck will favour you when you are working hard. Many talented players have vanished because they were not hard workers."
Mashud felt that it would have been more appropriate had he played this special game in front of his home crowd.
"But it is also nice to come to a place where I got the man-of-the-series award in the Test series against Sri Lanka.
"Even if I am out for a duck, I won't mind if my team wins tomorrow. That would be a perfect gift for me. The team always comes first."
He felt that he was ready to step down after the 2007 World Cup if there was a talented wicketkeeper waiting in the queue.
"I can't tell much about the young keepers because I haven't seen them much. However, if there is someone really good, I will make way for him because it will serve the team's purpose in the long run."
Bangladesh's 100th ODI brought good luck in December 2004 when they stunned India at home. It was also wishful thinking that Mashud's 'century' could also bring similar luck for the Tigers.