Saturday 07 / September / 2024
Dharamsala: Man of the match Tamim Iqbal was on song in the preliminary rounds of the ICC World T20 tournament, while he rewrote records for Bangladesh cricket.
The opener will be the key from now on as Bangladesh will move on to Kolkata to play their Super 10 opener against Pakistan in Kolkata on March 16.
An 83 against Netherlands, an unbeaten 47 against Ireland and an unbeaten 103 against Oman has been the story of Tamim in this tournament so far and he is saying now that he will continue to extend his best form of the career to the bigger league.
Tamim's ton was his first in T20 Internationals and also the best ever for Bangladesh in this format. But what was obvious is that there is a drastic turnaround in his batting style, which can be the latest secret of success.
He is indeed a different Tamim from what has been seen in beginning of his career.
Tamim, who has now crossed 1,000 T20I runs, was always known for his big hitting power. But what is distinct now is that he bats with élan, hitting mostly all along the ground rather than take the aerial route.
Once he starts going it is indeed a treat to watch and it is evident that he is relishing his batting.
"I am enjoying my batting," said Tamim after the match, but complimented Oman bowlers, especially Bilal Khan and Amir Ali.
"The opening bowlers were bowling well and it was difficult to get them away initially. But when I got a six and a four in the seventh over, I started feeling better and from there I took on," he said.
"I am happy that I could achieve the century, which I should have done in the first match as well. But against the Netherlands, wickets were falling around me and the pressure turned on me."
"Against Oman, Shabir's aggression added on to my confidence and things materialised," explained Tamim.
Turning his attention to the challenges awaiting in the Super 10 stage, Tamim said: "We can't set targets now. Instead we will be taking one match at a time."
Big relief
Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza, while complementing Tamim, also said that now everyone has to step up.
"It was a big pressure game (against Oman) for us but in the end the win has brought a great relief," Mashrafe said.
Having beaten Pakistan in Asia Cup recently, Mashrafe did not agree that the domination Bangladesh have had over Pakistan in recent times will help much.
"We must continue to work hard and focus to improve further," the captain said.
Bangladesh is in a tough group which also comprises India, Pakistan, New Zealand and Australia.
