Mushfiqur Rahim makes Bangladesh history, becomes first to score 7,000 Test runs

Mushfiqur Rahim (PTI Photo)

Bangladesh veteran Mushfiqur Rahim added another landmark to his illustrious career, becoming the first batter from the country to score 7,000 runs in Test cricket. The 39-year-old achieved the milestone in the ongoing second Test against West Indies in Sylhet, further cementing his place among Bangladesh's greatest players in the longest format.Mushfiqur reached the landmark when he took a single off West Indies spinner Roston Chase to move to nine runs in his innings. The veteran initially appeared unaware of the achievement, but acknowledged the moment after his teammates rose from their seats in the dressing room to applaud him.

The milestone was another reward for Mushfiqur's remarkable longevity and consistency in Test cricket. He had missed the opening Test of the series because of a finger injury but returned for the second match to add another chapter to his career.

From 5,000 to 7,000: Mushfiqur's remarkable journey

Mushfiqur had already established himself as Bangladesh's leading Test run-scorer when he became the country's first batter to reach 5,000 runs in 2022 and 6,000 in 2024. He has now taken that record to another level, becoming the first Bangladesh player to breach the 7,000-run mark.He has accumulated 7,000 runs in his 107th Test, having needed only 25 innings to progress from 6,000 to 7,000. His tally includes 14 centuries, with his highest score being an unbeaten 219.

Mominul Haque is second on Bangladesh's all-time Test run-scoring list with 5,293 runs, while former opener Tamim Iqbal is third. Mominul has scored 13 Test centuries, while Tamim has registered 10.Mushfiqur's latest achievement comes in a match in which his record for the highest individual score by a Bangladesh batter in Tests was surpassed. Towhid Hridoy struck an unbeaten 242 earlier in the ongoing Sylhet Test, going past Mushfiqur's previous best of 219 not out.

Bangladesh's most experienced Test cricketer

Having made his international debut in 2005, Mushfiqur is Bangladesh's most experienced Test cricketer. He became the first player from the country to feature in 100 Tests in November 2025 and is now appearing in his 107th match.

His journey in the format has been one of steady evolution. Initially a lower-middle-order batter and wicketkeeper, Mushfiqur took 20 Tests to reach his first 1,000 runs. His batting responsibilities grew as he became a more established member of the side, particularly after taking over as Bangladesh captain in 2011.Over the years, he developed into one of the team's most dependable batters, producing crucial runs across conditions and against different opponents. His ability to maintain consistency over such a long career has been reflected in the latest milestone.Mushfiqur has also made significant contributions in limited-overs cricket, scoring 6,697 runs in ODIs and 1,495 in T20 Internationals. He has since retired from both formats, with Test cricket remaining the stage on which he continues to extend his legacy.