Tamim Iqbal
Tamim to skip T20 World Cup, but he's not retiring
Bangladesh ODI captain Tamim Iqbal has said that he will not take part in the T20 World Cup slated for October-November in the Gulf states of Oman and the UAE.
Tamim has, however, ruled out retirement from this format of the game, attributing the decision to his lack of match-time in the past few months.
In a video posted on Tamim’s social media page, the left-hander said that he didn’t take part in the last 15-16 T20Is due to injury, and he's not going to come in suddenly and take place of the young players who did well in those games.
“I’ve just talked to the board president, Nazmul Hasan, and chief selector Minhajul Abedin. I told them that I don’t think I should be in the World Cup squad,” Tamim said in the video.
“The biggest reason behind this decision is the game-time. I was not available for the last 15-16 T20I matches, and the guys who played those matches did really well. So it won’t be fair if I come suddenly and take their place. So you won’t see me in the World Cup,” Tamim added.
Read BAN vs. ZIM 2021: T20I Series Finale Review
The Bangladeshi opener missed the Australia series due to a knee injury, and before that he missed the Zimbabwe series as well. He played his last T20I back in March 2020 against Zimbabwe in Dhaka.
Tamim has been under huge criticism for a long time for this lean strike rate in T20Is. Despite that, he was one of the players who get an assured place in the T20I set-up of the Tigers.
“I want to make one thing clear that I’m not retiring from T20Is, I’m just skipping the World Cup for now. I think it’s a fair decision, and the young players deserve to play in the World Cup as they are more prepared than me,” Tamim said, claiming the decision was right from his heart.
Read Australia’s August tour of Bangladesh 'on'
In the absence of Tamim, the onus of opening the game is on Liton Das, Soumya Sarkar and Mohammad Naim, who have been doing the job for quite a good time now.
Bangladesh is all set to play a five-match T20I series against New Zealand starting September 1 at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, and Tamim is also going to miss this series as his knee injury is yet to heal.
Tamim to miss home series against Australia, New Zealand
Bangladesh opener and ODI captain Tamim Iqbal is set to miss the home series against Australia and New Zealand in August and September, respectively.
The left-handed batsman has been suffering from a leg injury that he has sustained during the Sri Lanka tour earlier this year. He had recovered well to play an ODI series in May. He also took part in the Dhaka Premier League T20.
Also read: Tamim, Shohan guide Tigers to ODI series sweep against Zimbabwe
Tamim missed the one-off Test against Zimbabwe earlier this month due to the same injury. He is now coming back home without playing the three-match T20 series against the hosts.
“Tamim has been advised to stay out of cricket for at least six to eight weeks,” Minhajul Abedin, the chief selector of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), told the media.
“He will now miss the Australia and New Zealand series at home. He is coming back home with Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam. We asked Rubel Hossain, Mohammad Mithun and Mosaddek Hossain to stay with the team for the T20 series,” Minhajul added.
Also read: Chakabva, Raza, Burl propel Zimbabwe to 298 in 3rd ODI
Bangladesh have played a one-off Test and three ODIs in Zimbabwe and won all the matches.
In the last ODI on Tuesday, Tamim hit his 14th ODI ton off 87 balls. It was his fastest ton in the format.
Tamim, Shohan guide Tigers to ODI series sweep against Zimbabwe
They say it all begins at the top. And for Bangladesh too, openers Tamim Iqbal and Liton Das did it all.
Yes, with Tamim smashing his fastest ODI ton and later Nurul Hasan Shohan celebrating his comeback, the Tigers Tuesday registered a clean sweep against host Zimbabwe in the three-match series at Harare Sports Club.
In the last game of the ODI series on Tuesday, the Tigers beat Zimbabwe by five wickets chasing a target of 299 runs. In fact, Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bowl first. Batting first, the hosts scored 298/10 -- their highest in this series.
Also read: Tamim to miss home series against Australia, New Zealand
In reply, Tamim and Liton added 88 runs in the opening stand and set a solid foundation in pursue of a big total.
Liton fell for 32 but Tamim was firm at the other end of the wicket. Shakib Al Hasan joined Tamim, and together they added 59 runs on the score board. Shakib had missed a ton for four runs in the previous match, and this time, he ended up on 30 off 42.
Tamim fell for 112 when Bangladesh were batting at 204. Before falling prey to Donald Tiripano, Tamim completed his ton off 87 balls -- his fastest in the format. Right after Tamim’s dismissal, Mahmudullah Riyad suffered a golden duck, and all of a sudden, Bangladesh were facing trouble.
However, Mohammad Mithun and Shohan put on a fifth-wicket stand of 64 runs, which helped the Tigers keep the scoreboard afloat.
Also read: Chakabva, Raza, Burl propel Zimbabwe to 298 in 3rd ODI
It was Shohan’s first ODI in five years. He grabbed the opportunity in two hands as he struck 45 off 39 balls and remained unbeaten. He and Afif Hossain added 34 runs for the sixth wicket to seal the game.
Bangladesh scored 302 for five and won the game by five wickets.
Wessley Madhevere and Donald Tiripano took two wickets each for Zimbabwe.
Earlier, Regis Chakabva, who opened the innings for the hosts, scored 84 off 91 balls with seven fours and one six. It was his second fifty in the series.
For the sixth wicket, Sikandar Raza and Ryan Burl added 112 runs, the highest runs in a single partnership in Zimbabwe’s innings. The stand was broken by Mustafizur, who was playing his first ODI in this series, removing Raza for 57 off 54 balls.
But Burl was there in the middle. Before falling prey to Saifuddin, Burl posted 59 off 43 with four fours and as many as sixes.
Saifuddin bagged three wickets in the 48th over removing Burl, Donald Tiripano and Tendai Chatara. Saifuddin conceded 87 runs in eight overs to take three wickets. Mustafizur also bagged three wickets conceding 57 runs. They eventually put together 298 in 49.3 overs.
The series is a part of the World Cup Super League. The top seven teams of this event along with the shots, India, will qualify directly for World Cup 2023.
After the three-match ODI series, both teams will lock horns in a three-match T20 series. All the matches will take place at the same venue. Before the limited-over series, Bangladesh took on the hosts in a one-off Test and won that match by 220 runs.
Tamim Iqbal gets dismissed for a duck in first ODI vs Zimbabwe
Blessing Muzarabani removed Tamim Iqbal for a duck, say on Friday in the first ODI of the three-match series in Harare.
Zimbabwe won the toss and opted to bowl first.
Read:We have no idea about their players, says Tamim ahead of first ODI vs Zimbabwe
Bangladesh failed to score even a single in the first two overs. Off the first ball of the third over, Tamim went to cut but managed only an edge to the wicketkeeper.
Shakib Al Hasan came in at number three and hit a four off the first ball he faced.
Bangladesh are missing the service of Mushfiqur Rahim who came home abruptly from this series after his parents tested positive for Covid-19.
Read:Mustafiz uncertain in Zimbabwe series opener
The second and third ODI will take place on July 18 and 20 at the same venue.
After ODIs, both the teams will lock horns in a three-match T20I series.
Before the limited-over series, Bangladesh won the one-off Test against the hosts by 220 runs.
Read:Mushfiqur to miss remainder of Zimbabwe series
Bangladesh (Playing XI): Tamim Iqbal (c), Liton Das (w), Mohammad Mithun, Mosaddek Hossain, Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah, Mehidy Hasan, Mohammad Saifuddin, Afif Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam
Zimbabwe (Playing XI): Wesley Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Brendan Taylor (c), Dion Myers, Timycen Maruma, Regis Chakabva (w), Ryan Burl, Luke Jongwe, Tendai Chatara, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava.
DPL Super League begins Saturday without Shakib, Tamim
The Super League phase of the Bangabandhu Dhaka Premier Division Twenty20 Cricket League is all set to begin Saturday at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium without the two most senior national team players – Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal.
Shakib left Dhaka for the US early Friday to spend time with his family; Tamim has suffered a leg injury throughout the league.
Both Shakib and Tamim's teams – Mohammedan Sporting Club, and Prime Bank Cricketers – have qualified for the Super League.
Masuduzzaman, the chair of the cricket committee of Mohammedan, said: "Shakib asked for permission to skip the Super League to spend time with his family in the US. Respecting his decision, we approved his leave."
Also read: Shakib banned for three matches, fined Tk 5 lakh
Tamim said: "I have been suffering from a leg injury and discussed my condition with the medical team of the board. They told me to rest for a while. Since we have a long series in Zimbabwe, I think I have to be better prepared than I'm right now. So I think I should skip the Super League."
Super League lineup
Prime Bank Cricket Club topped the points table with the most wins in the initial phase of the league, which consists of 11 rounds. The table-toppers won nine matches and the number two team Abahani eight.
Prime Doleshwar, Gazi Group Cricketers, Mohammedan Sporting Club and Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club are the other teams of the Super League.
On Saturday, three matches will take place at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium where Doleshwar will face Gazi Group at 9am. In the second match, Prime Bank will play against Sheikh Jamal at 2pm while Abhani will take on Mohammedan at 6:30pm. All the matches will be telecast live on GTV and T Sports.
Also read: Tamim fined for breaching ICC Code of Conduct against Sri Lanka
The second, third, fourth and fifth rounds of the Super League will be played on June 20, 22, 23 and 25 at the same venue.
Three teams – Legends of Rupganj, Old DOHS Sports Club and Partex Sporting Club – who hit the rock bottom in the points table – will take on each other once in the relegation round, which will also begin on June 19 at BKSP.
The toppers of the relegation league will get the chance to play the next Dhaka League directly, but the other two teams will be relegated to the first division, and they will need to end it as the champions or runners-up to play the next edition of Dhaka League.
Batsmen shine in practice game ahead of Sri Lanka ODIs
In the lone practice game ahead of the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka at home, Bangladeshi batsmen did well.
Tamim Iqbal led them hitting an explosive 80 while Soumya Sarkar, Mahmudullah Riyad, Afif Hossain and Mushfiqur Rahim also have a fifty each.
Shakib Al Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman, who came out of a 12-day quarantine, failed to impress.
Tamim was the captain of the BCB Green while Mahmudullah led the BCB Red. Green won the game by five wickets.
Tamim won the toss at BKSP on Thursday morning and sent the Red team to bat first who posted 284 for three in 45 overs. In reply, Tamim’s 80 off 58 balls with four sixes and seven fours guided the Green team to seal the game in 41 overs as they ended on 288 for five.
For the Red team, Afif hit 64 not-out and Mahmudullah came up with 62 not-out and Soumya also hit 60 not out. All of them were retired-not out. For the Green team, left-arm pacer Shoriful Islam bagged one wicket.
For the Green team, Tamim hit 80 while Mushfiqur scored 64 not-out. Imrul Kayes, 33, Mosaddek Hossain, 38, also did well with the bat. For the Red team, Mahmudullah took two wickets conceding 29 runs while Shakib and Taijul Islam took one wicket each.
The Tigers are all set to take on Sri Lanka in a three-match ODI series starting from May 23. All the matches will be played at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.
BD v SL: Najmul eyes to bat longer in Kandy Test
Bangladesh top-order batsman Najmul Hossain Shanto said they are looking forward to batting longer to ensure a commanding position for the Tigers in the Kandy Test against Sri Lanka.
Bangladesh won the toss on Wednesday and opted to bat first in the first Test of the two-match series. They accumulated 302 runs for two wickets at the end of the day thanks to the maiden ton by Najmul (126*).
“It’s too early to think about the result of this game,” Najmul told a virtual press conference after day’s play. “It’s just day one. The longer we can bat, the more control we’ll have in this game. We’re looking forward to batting for a long time.”
Najmul came to the national set-up playing at all stages of the development group of Bangladesh cricket. But he disappointed with the bat in six Tests that he played so far. Najmul, however, played well at the domestic circuit.
“I had nothing to prove,” Najmul added. “I’ve worked so hard over the last four-five months. So I believed that I score at any moment. I was relaxed at the wicket. I just wanted to stay calm and keep enjoying my batting which eventually resulted in a good way.”
Also read: BD v SL: Najmul hits maiden Test ton as Tigers take control
Bangladesh lost the right-handed opener, Saif Hassan, off the last ball of the second over of the match which forced Najmul to come to bat early in the morning. He took it as an opportunity and batted through almost the entire day.
The 22-year-old batsman has credited Tamim Iqbal for his success. He said: “It was tough to bat in the first session as there was some movement. Tamim told me to stay calm and play carefully. He also said the wicket is good to bat. Tamim batted well which helped me to take some time and get adapted.”
Najmul partnered with Tamim in the second wicket to post 144 runs, and he accompanied Mominul Haque in the third wicket to add 150 runs on the board – the highest third-wicket partnership for Bangladesh in away Tests.
“I didn’t think much about how many balls I faced or how many runs I scored. We were focused to make big partnerships. We took one step at a time which helped to come up with the big partnerships. Now the next session is very important for us. If we can play well in the first session, it’ll help us to understand how many runs we need to in the first innings and after that, we may think about winning this game,” Najmul added.
BD v SL: Najmul hits maiden Test ton as Tigers take control
Najmul Hossain Shanto registered his maiden Test century on Wednesday as Bangladesh took control of Kandy Test against Sri Lanka.
At the end of the first day’s play, Tigers had amassed 302 for two wickets. Najmul and Mominul Haque were unbeaten for 126 and 64 respectively. Najmul hit 14 fours and one six while Mominul scored six fours.
Bangladesh captain Mominul won the toss and opted to bat first. The decision proved to be right despite losing Saif Hassan in the second over of the innings.
After Saif’s dismissal, Najmul came and batted with great discipline through almost the entire day. He partnered with Tamim in the second wicket to post a partnership of 144 runs.
Najmul accompanied Mominul in the third wicket stand, which was impregnable at the end of the day, to add 150 runs. It is now the highest third-wicket partnership for Bangladesh in away Tests. They still have a good chance to make it even bigger.
Tour match: Tamim's Red team beat Mominul's Green by 89 runs
Tamim Iqbal led Red team earned a comfortable 89 runs victory over Test captain Mominul Haque's Green team in an intra-squad two -day practice match that concluded at the Katunayeke CMC ground in Colombo on Sunday.
Earlier on Saturday, Red team batted first and scored 314 for 6 in 79.2 overs with top four order batsmen self retired making 50 plus runs.
Skipper cum opener Tamim Iqbal scored 63 runs off 69 deliveries hitting nine fours and two sixes,another opener Saif Hasan made 52 runs off 94 balls with six four and one six, one down Nazmul Hossain Shanta contributed 116-ball 53 runs featuring three fours and two sixes while reliable Mushfiqur Rahim hammered 66 runs off 82 balls hitting nine fours and one six.
Also read: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka: Recap of the Key Test Records
Besides, Nurul Hasan Shohan added 62-ball 48 runs making three four and three sixes, Mehidy Hasan Miraz scored 44-ball 24 runs with three boundaries while Taijul Islam made three -ball two runs for the Tamim Iqbal's Red team.
Shuvagata Hom claimed one wicket for 46 runs.
In reply, Test captain Mominul Haque 's Green team opened the innings and were all out for 225 runs in 71 overs with Mominul back to pavilion with duck in the first attempt.
Read: BAN vs SL Cricket Test series 2021: Expected personal milestones to achieve
However, Mominul batted for the 2nd time and scored 47 runs, Litton Das contributed highest 64, Mithun made 28, Shariful not out 20 for the Green team.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz grabbed three wickets for 41 runs, Abu Jayed Rahi and Taijul Islam took one wicket each for 28 and 30 runs respectively.
Also read: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka 2021: Analysis of Bangladesh’s Test Squad for Sri Lanka Series
Touring Bangladesh team will play the first Test against Sri Lanka on April 21-25 at the Pallekela International Stadium in Kandy and will play the 2nd test at the same venne from April 29 to May 3.
Batsmen shine in intra-squad practice game of Bangladesh
On the first day of the two-day intra-squad practice game in Sri Lanka, four Bangladeshi batsmen scored a half-century each. At the end of the day, Tamim Iqbal-led Team Red scored 314 for six in 79.2 overs.
For Team Red, Tamim, Saif Hassan, Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim scored a fifty each while Nurul Hasan Shohan posted 48.
Shuvagata Hom was the only bowler for Team Green to take a wicket while the other five batsmen decided to retired.
Also read: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka 2021: Analysis of Bangladesh’s Test Squad for Sri Lanka Series
“It was tough to bat on this condition, especially, in the first hour of the day. But our openers— Tamim and Saif— batted tremendously. Najmul, Mushfiqur also did well,” Minhajul Abedin, Bangladesh’s chief selector who is touring Sri Lanka with the team, told the media over a video message.
“Bowlers have tried to get adapted to the condition. I believe this practice match gave us some good (opportunity to prepare well). We will get another day of play which will surely help us to prepare properly,” he added.
Also read: ‘We are capable of doing well in Sri Lanka’, says Khaled Mahmud
Left-handed top-order batsman Najmul said he batted the way he wanted to.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for preparation for us ahead of the main series,” Najmul said. “It’ll be great if I can bat this way in the Tests. We have to adapt to this condition. Bowlers did well in the first 20-25 overs, but after that, it became easy to bat on.”
Also read: ‘We can win in Sri Lanka even without Shakib, Mustafizur,’ says Mominul
The two-match series will begin on April 21 at Kandy. Due to the Covid-19 restriction in the island nation, both the Tests will take place at the same venue.
This series is a part of the World Test Championship. Bangladesh played five matches of this event so far but failed to win any of them. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, played 10 Tests of this event and won only one with six defeats and three draws.