All eyes on Tamim on captaincy bow

Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal has been the point of discussion over the past few weeks. 

First, it was for his below-par performance in the World Cup 2019 in England and Wales, followed by the southpaw being named as the ODI captain for the three-match series against host Sri Lanka.

With the toss of the coin at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo Friday afternoon Tamim is set emerge as the 14th ODI captain for Bangladesh. 

However, a big believer in process, Tamim does not want to overdo the ambition. 

A last minute injury of Mashrafe bin Mortaza and the absence of Shakib al Hasan made the BCB hand the charge to the left-handed opener.

The stands at R Premadasa Stadium are expected to be packed with supporters when host @OfficialSLC take on @BCBtigers in the first of the three-match ODI series Friday.https://t.co/91kgwBktK7#CRICKET #BCBTIGERS #BCB #TIGERS #BANGLADESHCRICKET #BANGLADESH #SRILANKA #SLC #SRI

— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) July 25, 2019

“At this moment, our first target is to start the first session well. I always think and I say this all the time, it is a problem if we start focusing on the finishing line before the starting line. (Friday) we have to start well, no matter if we bowl or bat. And of course our main target will be to win the match. We want to move forward one step at a time. We want to go a long way. I am sure if you ask their captain (Dimuth Karunaratne), he will also say he wants to win this series. I also want to win the series. You have to do small things properly and it will start from the first ball of the match. Does not matter we bat or bowl first,” Tamim explained to the media at R Premadasa Stadium Thursday.

“I am not thinking about my debut as the captain of Bangladesh team, but it feels good to hear after being mentioned by you (the journalist). The thing that is important to me is how I start. These things give satisfaction when the team do well. If we win [today] or team play well then I will feel special as a captain. I believe if the rest of the 10 players play well then it will prove how someone does as a captain. What I do debuting as a captain doesn’t really excite me. Other than that, I am looking forward to fulfilling my responsibility that is given to me by the cricket board. I am sure, the players who will play, I will try to help them as much as I can,” said the Bangladesh opening batsman.  

The Tigers are touring the island without two experienced campaigners. 

This opened the doors for the others to grab the seats, or at least prove their worth and Mohammad Mithun batting at No 3 has been able to catch some of the attention.

Bangladesh used 13 players to provide batsmen and bowlers some opportunity https://t.co/JJeZoBGwDJ#BanvSL

— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) July 23, 2019

The Tigers were being served brilliantly with Shakib at No 3 and his absence gave Mithun the opportunity. 

The right-handed batsman responded well, scoring 91 runs in the practice game and this has provided some confidence to the team management.

“He (Mithun) got the opportunity and did really well. He usually plays in the No 5 position. We don't have a batsman who plays continuously at the No 3 position but he got the opportunity and he must grab this with both hands. Mithun played really well in the practice match. After the half-century, he made his innings bigger. But unfortunately, he missed the century. But it’s great the way he is taking the responsibility and moving the team forward. I hope he will be able to keep this up for the Bangladesh team and hope he delivers [Friday],” said Tamim.