Tamim bids adieu to PSL

Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal parted ways with Pakistan Super League (PSL) season one and is due to take a paternity leave during the upcoming Asia Cup in Bangladesh.

Tamim posted a heart-felt message on his Facebook account and articulated his gratitude towards the franchise chairman, team management, coaching and support staff and last but not least the teammates at Peshawar Zalmi.

“It was a great experience being part of this team and I have enjoyed every moment of it. Wishing the team all the best for the play-offs and Inshallah we can go on to win the trophy. Last but not the least, a big thanks to the fans for your support. Hopefully see you all again next year.” Tamim wrote in his Facebook account.

The support Tamim received from his teammates, and the overall professional environment allowed the flamboyant leftie to thrive at Dubai and Sharjah, and entertain his fans with some imperious knocks at the top.

The southpaw from Chittagong announced his arrival at the PSL during the third match of the tournament with a solid innings against Islamabad United. He scored 51 runs at run-a-ball when the rest of his teammates struggled to bat fluently on the sluggish surface at Dubai. Peshawar posted a decent total on Tamim’s fifty and managed to defend it in the end.

On February 6, Tamim took his team to a comfortable win over Lahore Qalandars with another display of assured batting. He was unbeaten on 55 from 47, and smashed seven hits to the fence. When the ball became older and gripped the pitch, Tamim used his supple wrists to work the ball as bowlers depended heavily on slower balls and cutters. He won his first man-of-the-match award of PSL.

Tamim Iqbal of Bangladesh receives the man-of-the-match trophy at PSL. Photo taken from Tamim Iqbal's Facebook page

In the next match against Quetta Gladiators, Tamim could not score more than 14 runs. However, against Karachi Kings on February 11, Tamim gave his team a great side and racked up 93 runs for the opening stand in 10 overs with Mohammad Hafeez. Tamim made 37.

On February 12, Tamim had his best game of PSL as his unbeaten 80 gave another comprehensive victory for Peshawar, this time over Islamabad. In his second player-of-the-game performance, Tamim showed his maturity and skills to bat on a slow surface. He played sensibly, treated the ball on merit, and only opened his shoulders when spinners were introduced. Saeed Ajmal was hammered for two consecutive sixes. Rumman Raees was later pulverised by Tamim as he took Peshawar home. Tamim played only 58 balls, struck six fours and three sixes to his name.

In his last match at PSL season one, Tamim scored a quick-fire 30 in 22 balls, but lost his wicket against the run of play. He was the second highest run-getter behind Ravi Bopara, and was an important cog in the wheel of Peshawar Zalmi, something Tamim would love to roll with the next season.

Best wishes for Parenthood to Tamim!