Tamim Iqbal of Bangladesh struck his first fifty against South Africa during the second day of the 1st Test at Chittagong stadium today.

The Bangladeshi opener fell against the run of play when he missed a loopy full-toss from Dean Elgar while going for a sweep and saw his furniture disturbed.

Tamim’s patient knock of 57 kept the South African bowlers at bay for 119 balls and contributed substantially to two important partnerships top of the order.

The first wicket stand of 46 with Imrul Kayes gave Tigers a solid start, where Tamim chipped in with 14 runs.

In the crucial 3rd wicket partnership of 89 runs with Mahmudullah, Tamim showed his Test-match temperament with grit and determination.

South African fast bowlers tried short balls, in-swinging full balls, outside the off-stump hit-me balls but failed to lure Tamim into a false stroke.

Tamim was watchful to begin with and thankfully for Bangladesh, didn’t lose his cool and throw his wicket away recklessly.

He waited for the Proteas bowlers to bowl to him, and as they obliged, the Bangladesh opener tucked them for runs through square-leg and mid-wicket.

Tamim read the pitch quite well, and didn’t go for the on-the-up flashy drives outside the off-stump. Instead, he went for the really full deliveries and hardly put a foot wrong in his innings.

When he looked good for a big one, Tamim’s error of judgment while facing a part-time spinner dashed the hopes of his diehard fans.

Had Tamim played straight instead of going for the sweep, he probably would’ve survived and scored more runs.

Tamim is the highest run-getter for Tigers in Test matches, his 206 being the highest individual score to date.

His impressive average is a touch under 40 in the longest format of cricket.

Tamim Iqbal and Mahmudullah go for a run during a Test match. File Photo: STAR