Dead-rubber with a difference

Can Tamim Iqbal make it three in three at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Mirpur today? Photo: Firoz Ahmed

"Just look at the little man… he has been amazing!" Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza bowed his head in respect as he passed this comment to a few reporters while addressing Mushfiqur Rahim who was walking back to the dressing room after his batting practice in the nets at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur yesterday, ahead of the Tiger's third and final ODI against Pakistan today.

The wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur was described as amazing because of his run-spree in the last two years. The man from Bogra is highly respected among his team mates due to his outstanding and rare consistency with the bat, which has earned him the well-regarded tag of "Mr. Dependable".

And without a shadow of a doubt, a player can only earn this kind of respect and win the hearts of million by showing consistency. Bangladesh will definitely look to his long bat when they take the field today to complete a 'Banglawash' on Pakistan, but everybody will also be looking forward to another man; Tamim Iqbal. The left-hander, who has silenced his critics by scoring two consecutive hundreds in this series.

When Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe talked about his team's chances of a whitewash, the brave-hearted cricketer diplomatically said, "Anything can happen in cricket. One team can have a bad day in the office. But with regards to confidence, there is no shortage of it in the camp at the moment." 

This sentiment is also applicable to any individual. After two brilliant hundreds a bad day can come for Tamim, but the left-hander should make sure that he applies the right approach in the middle so that he can cash in on his good form.

Bangladesh is now in good form and rhythm as a team since they continued their impressive World Cup performances against Pakistan. And when a team stands in such a position they must pounce on every opportunity and every Tigers fan and well-wishers would love to see that Bangladesh capitalise on the opportunity they have against Pakistan. As Mashrafe said, consistent performances can bring real honour to any team and help them establish themselves as a good side in the world's cricketing fraternity.
It's also true for any player, particularly for Tamim.

The Chittagonian once again proved that he has got the ability to excel with his bat and his last two innings showed his strength. These two innings have relieved him. He may not need to prove his class and worth again, but he still has a lot to do to reach his desired standard. He must especially be consistent if he wants to improve his average to silence his critics for good. A brilliant Mushfiqur is a good blueprint for him about how one should capitalise on their good form.

So a dead rubber cannot be a dead affair for the Bangladesh team or its players, as the onus is on them to continue their performances -- not only to score a historic 'Banglawash' against Pakistan -- but to show that they can be consistently consistent; and consistently great.