Bangladesh will go into the three-match one-day international series against South Africa as confident despite losing both Twenty20 internationals, said batsman Tamim Iqbal said on Wednesday. The Tigers looked firm to grab their opportunity against the Proteas in the ODIs, their most favourite of all three formats, where they are enjoying a memorable run since their maiden quarter-final appearance in the World Cup.
They followed the World Cup success with maiden ODI series win over Pakistan and India and it looks they will not be satisfied with anything less that when they take on the visitors, who are weakened by the absence of AB de Villiers.
‘We know our team’s strength lies in ODI format and we are fully prepared for it,’ said Tamim, adding that they are looking forward to leave behind the Twenty20 disappointment.
‘It won’t be good to think about the past. Rather we are trying to look forward and plan how to remain confident in the dressing room,’ he said.
Tamim said that the absence of de Villiers will certainly help any opponents against Proteas as they will miss his phenomenal batting.
De Villiers, who had been expected to lead the ODI squad in the series, was withdrawn by South Africa for the entire series after it was confirmed that he will miss the opening game due to a ban.
The ban was imposed after a slow over-rate during their World Cup semi-final against New Zealand.
Team management opted to rest him considering their hectic schedule ahead and handed the captaincy role to de Villiers’ deputy Hashim Amla.
‘Whether it is Bangladesh or Australia it is always a plus point if there is no AB de Villiers,’ said Tamim.
‘He is such a player that he alone can change fortune of a match.
‘Sometimes opponents put their focus on him sparing others. They then take the opportunity by making valuable contributions.
‘At least that won’t happen this time and it looks to be a positive as we need to plan about all the 11 players,’ said the left-hander.
Tamim said that Tigers were troubled by visiting spinners rather than the pace bowlers and it also opens up an opportunity for the hosts as they also possess quality spin options.
‘Our spinners are better than them on any given day,’ said Tamim.
‘We have to play them carefully as the spinners were more effective than the pace bowlers.
‘But surely if you want me to compare our spinners are five times better than them,’ he said.
Tamim was full of praise for Soumya Sarkar and said that his presence ease the pressure because of his attacking stroke play.
‘I am enjoying my batting with him as runs are coming quickly,’ said Tamim.
‘It makes all the more difficult for the bowlers as attacking brand of cricket is played from both ends,’ he said.
-With New Age input
