In modern-day ODI cricket, many teams can reach scores between 300 and 350 runs. If the total surpasses 400, it is considered a monumental score. But what if a single batsman manages to score such a massive total? It sounds unbelievable, yet such an astonishing feat has occurred in Prime Bank School Cricket. Cambrian School and College’s opener Mustakim Howlader has written history with an unbeaten 404-run inning.
Though this match took place at the district level of school cricket, which is not considered official cricket, it is still noteworthy that Mustakim, a ninth-grade student, achieved something never before seen in school cricket. His incredible performance on Tuesday at Dhaka University’s Central Ground is unprecedented, even in the official cricket scene in Bangladesh.
Opening the innings against Saint Gregory’s School and College, Mustakim batted through the entire innings. He spent 4 hours and 20 minutes at the crease, facing 170 balls at a strike rate of 237.64. His 404-run inning consisted of 50 boundaries and 22 sixes. Along the way, he formed an enormous 699-run partnership with captain Soad Parvez. Soad himself remained unbeaten on 256 runs from 124 balls, with a strike rate of 206.45, including 32 fours and 13 sixes, marking his career-best score.
With these two batsmen leading the charge, Cambrian School and College amassed a massive total of 770 runs for 2 wickets. Mustakim and Soad unleashed a storm on Saint Gregory’s bowlers. Adritto Banik conceded 164 runs in 10 overs, Tanveer Rahman gave away 132 runs in 9 overs, and Samson Rahman gave up 115 runs in 10 overs. Even Ifaz Uddin proved more expensive, conceding 100 runs in 5 overs.
The target of 770 was far too much for Saint Gregory’s, and they were bowled out for just 32 runs in 11.4 overs. Cambrian School and College won by a staggering 738 runs. Only one Saint Gregory’s batsman reached double figures, scoring 10 runs. Seven other batsmen failed to get off the mark.
Hassan Hridoy was the standout bowler for Cambrian, claiming 6 wickets for 11 runs in 6 overs. Soad, who had already impressed with his bat, added 4 wickets for just 16 runs in 5.4 overs. These two were the only bowlers used by Cambrian.
After the match, Mustakim and Soad went to Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, where they watched part of a match between Prime Bank Cricket Club and Dhanmondi Sports Club. Following the match, Prime Bank’s all-rounder Shahadat Hossain Dipu, who came up through school cricket, presented Mustakim with a cap. The duo then spoke to the media.
Mustakim, having experience with big innings, explained that after facing a few deliveries, he gained confidence and believed that something special could happen. “I had faith in myself. I’ve played many big innings in various tournaments, so I knew I could do it. During batting, I focused on connecting the ball well. When I felt good, I knew I could achieve something.”
Having enjoyed watching West Indian tournaments for their power hitting, Mustakim added, “In training, I always focus on aggressive batting. My coach always encourages us to hit hard. Cricket has become modern, and I try to keep up with that. I like watching Caribbean tournaments for their power hitting. My favorite cricketer is Shakib Al Hasan.”
The understanding between Mustakim and Soad, who have played together for many years, proved vital. When Mustakim was nearing his 400, Soad ensured he got the strike. Mustakim thanked his partner, saying, “Both of us were batting well today. We had planned to finish strong. After losing two wickets at 50 runs (actually 71), we were a bit cautious. I played aggressively while he played more conservatively. We’ve been playing together since childhood. He helped me a lot today, especially in the final stages when he kept giving me the strike to maximize my score.”
Mustakim and Soad have been playing together since 2018. Soad, a 10th-grade student, shared, “We’ve been playing together since under-14s, since 2018. Our understanding is excellent. Near the end, when Mustakim needed 21 runs for 400, I was on strike. I gave him the single and let him face the rest. It was a great experience, both of us being not out. I’ve scored centuries before, but never a big innings like 250.”