Emon hails special century after record-breaking T20 knock

Dhaka, 18 May - Bangladesh opener Parvez Hossain Emon termed his 54-ball 100 against United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the first T20 game as a special one, particularly due to his ability to assess the wicket and execute the plan to precision. 

After bringing his century off 53 balls in this format as only the second Bangladeshi batter after Tamim Iqbal, Emon was dismissed in the very next delivery. But by then, he had already become the fastest centurion for Bangladesh in T20 Internationals. He also held the record for the fastest century by a Bangladeshi batter in T20 cricket, having scored a 42-ball ton in a special tournament in 2021.

"But it's obviously special for me (century)," Emon said, highlighting the importance of the century. "It's my maiden international cricket century. So it will be special for me." 

Emon said what made it more special was his ability to read the wicket and execute his plan perfectly. 

"I was assessing the wicket and trying to stay with my process, stick with my plan, and go for it. I tried my best," he said. 

Thanks to Emon's knock which was laced with five fours and nine sixes, Bangladesh posted a hefty 191-7 and eventually went on to win the game by 27 runs.

He broke several records during his century, etching his name into Bangladesh's cricket history. 

The nine sixes by Emon were the highest by a Bangladesh batter, eclipsing Rishad Hossain's seven against Sri Lanka last year. 

He scored 74 runs in boundaries in his knock, which is also a record, going past Tamim's 70 against Oman.

Just after bringing up his century, he was dismissed by Muhammad Jawadullah in the first ball of the last over.

He had a stroke of luck on 84 when he was dismissed by Matiullah Khan, but the delivery was a no-ball.BSS