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Towhid Hridoy went past his double century and completed a historic triple century against South Africa A in a four-day match in Potchefstroom on Wednesday.
The milestone came at the same venue where Hridoy helped Bangladesh win the Under-19 World Cup six years ago. He also became the first Bangladeshi batter to score a triple century in first-class cricket outside the country.
Bangladesh A were under pressure early in the match after South Africa A posted 512 in their first innings. The visitors were then reduced to 78 for three, with Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Parvez Hossain Emon and Najmul Hossain Shanto returning to the pavilion in quick succession.
Hridoy, however, took charge of the innings. Unbeaten on 75 at the end of the second day, he built a crucial partnership with Jaker Ali on the third day. Jaker was dismissed for 94, but Hridoy continued his march and finished the day unbeaten on 204.
He maintained the momentum on the fourth day. After Mohammad Saifuddin was dismissed for 87, Nayeem Hasan and Hasan Murad also departed quickly. Hridoy then formed a resilient ninth-wicket partnership with Rejaur Rahman Raja, helping Bangladesh A move into the lead.
Hridoy eventually reached the landmark of 300, setting a new career-best score and adding a historic chapter to Bangladesh cricket. His previous first-class best was 217.
Before Hridoy, only Raqibul Hasan and Tamim Iqbal had scored triple centuries for Bangladesh in first-class cricket. However, no Bangladeshi batter had previously achieved the feat overseas.
Another notable aspect of Hridoy’s innings was the number of deliveries he faced. He reached 300 off 450 balls, moving into second place among Bangladeshi batters for most balls faced in a first-class innings.
Raqibul Hasan holds the national record with 611 balls, while Mosaddek Hossain previously occupied second place with a 448-ball innings. Hridoy has now surpassed Mosaddek to claim the second spot.