Tamim Iqbal, the man-of-the-match in Bangladesh’s historic four-wicket win in the second Test match against Sri Lanka today, said the 259-run defeat in the first Test in Galle worked as an impetus for their win in Colombo.

“I think this win started when we lost the match in Galle,” Tamim elucidated when he spoke after the match.

“We had a long chat with the coach, and the players stepped up. The way the bowlers bowled in the first innings was quite exceptional,” said Tamim, who scored a crucial 82-run knock in the second innings to lay the platform for victory.

“That changed the whole thing. When you are chasing this kind of total, you have to be a little aggressive. Me and Sabbir were talking in the middle to look for runs. All came good except the last shot. The coach has backed us a lot. We are very lucky to have him,” the Bangladesh left-handed opener added.

Tamim scored 49 in Bangladesh’s first innings, but his 82 from 137 balls during the second innings enabled the Tigers to chase down 191 on the fifth day with four wickets in the bag. The third wicket stand with Sabbir Rahman worth 109 runs kept the Sri Lankan bowlers at bay.