'Goal is to become the best batsman in the world'

Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal has said that he wants to be the best batsman in the world.

While talking to ESPNcricinfo, the southpaw, who was instrumental to Bangladesh winning the first Test against Australia in Dhaka, revealed that his target was to become the best.

Tamim's innings of 71 in the first innings helped Bangladesh recover from a dangerous situation where the team was struggling at 10 for three in the first Test at Dhaka.

He then played another magnificent knock in the second innings when he struck 78. The two innings were crucial to Bangladesh winning the Test match.

"It looks very important now, after how the wicket was behaving. I tried my best even after we lost some early wickets in the first innings," Tamim said regarding the twin 50's in the context of his decade-long career.

"Me and Shakib had a very good partnership. Those 70 runs in both the innings looks very crucial in the end. I would have loved to score a hundred in at least one of the innings but that's how cricket goes."

Asked whether that first Test was the most important victory of his career, Tamim replied: "One of them. I won't say it's the most but definitely it's up there. Beating Australia anywhere is not that easy."

The brilliant left-hander marked his 50th Test appearance with twin 50's that led Banglasdesh to a memorable 20-run victory over Australia. The opener also showed his class during the recently concluded ICC Champions trophy 2017 where Bangladesh made it to the semifinals. However, Tamim believes he is not yet among the top ten best batsmen in the world.

"Becoming the best batsman in the world…that's my goal. The target is to be in the top ten first. I have not achieved that yet and if I am able to achieve top ten then we will take it from there," Tamim concluded with a smile. 

Tamim is currently in Pakistan to represent the star-studded World XI side that will play participate in a three-match T20 series.