An End To Tamim's trauma

As the Tigers headed back home after a successful World Cup down under, there were three stories that did the rounds in public gatherings and on social media. The first, of course, was regarding Bangladesh's heroic display. The second was about AHM Mustafa Kamal's comments regarding the the quarterfinal defeat against India and the third was about the apparent decline of Tamim Iqbal, a Tiger who had failed to hunt his prey far too many times.

Whilst the first two issues gradually lost steam, Tamim's chapter lingered. There were teasing memes made about him -- some of those likening the amount of time the left-hander spent on the crease to the preparation of a quick meal -- and his fitness issues were constantly brought up. His match-saving 95 against Scotland was amidst the crucial catch that he dropped against England and his poor form in subsequent matches.

It was obvious that Tamim was deeply hurt by the criticism. Before returning home he had confessed that he wasn't able to cope with the scenario; that the 'insults to his family' were uncalled for and that he was sorry for his performances. The pain seemed to continue once he returned home.

When the Tigers arrived at the Airport in Dhaka, Tamim was the first one to leave; dragging his suitcase through an array of reporters waiting for the team. The following month saw his team, Islami Bank East Zone, win Bangladesh Cricket League's inaugural one-day tournament.  Tamim, who had been dismissed for a single-digit score in the final, didn't seem excited with the win. He was nowhere to be seen when his colleagues ran from the dressing room to congratulate Abul Hasan, who hit a thumping boundary to finish off the game.

He also wasn't himself on the day when the Tigers were received by thousands of fans in Dhaka at the Manik Mia Avenue. He didn't get to speak on stage, but his expression suggested that he wasn't too comfortable there; unlike the rest of the team who were busy taking selfies with the crowd which had gathered.

Tamim was so low in confidence that he took a last-minute decision to take part in the practice match against Pakistan. That decision didn't yield much benefit as he was trapped in front of the stumps for a nervous nine.

And so, when the left-hander removed his gloves after reaching the three-figure mark for the first time in two years yesterday and signalled the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium to 'talk now', one could sense the frustration pouring. He also didn't raise his bat to the public after playing one of the most destructive knocks by a Bangladeshi batsman. Challenging one's fans may not be the smartest way to celebrate a landmark, but in a way, it depicted just how difficult a place Tamim was in.

Tamim's celebration may go on to spark several debates; but for once the discussions are likely to be restricted to his fantastic innings with which he proved his worth. The challenge ahead for the left-hander, though, will be to prevent falling back again into a hole which he has just climbed out of.

This win was Bangladesh's second win against Pakistan in all formats. The maiden win came on May 31, 1999 in Northampton, England.

Bangladesh's score of 329 for 6 is their highest team total beating the previous best of 326, also scored against Pakistan in 2014. 

Mushfiqur Rahim and Tamim Iqbal's stand of 178 runs is Bangladesh's highest ever ODI stand. The previous best was 175 between Habibul Bashar and Rajin Saleh scored in 2006.

Tamim's 132 is the third highest ODI score and the highest against Pakistan, by a Bangladeshi. 

This is the first time that Bangladesh witnessed two centurions in an ODI innings.

Bangladesh's batsmen hit 42 boundaries yesterday--36 fours and 6 sixes--which is the most that they have ever hit in an ODI. 

Saeed Ajmal bowled his most expensive figures in ODIs yesterday. 10-0-74-0.