‘More competition after Tamim’s return’

Bangladesh lost Tamim Iqbal in the opening match of the Asia Cup against Sri Lanka. Tigers struggled with their opening partnership in the Asia Cup as Nazmul Hossain and Soumya Sarkar were tried alongside Liton Das before Mehedi Miraz was tried in the final.

Liton struck a hundred in the final and has been in good knock since then. In Tamim's absence Imrul Kayes has opened the innings in the Zimbabwe series and he responded by scoring a 144 and 90 in the two matches so far against the visitors as Tigers clinched the series with one match still to go. Captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza stated that with Liton and Kayes now amongst runs, the competition for opening the batting once Tamim returns is only a positive thing for the Tigers.

"Imrul has been playing well since the Asia Cup. He didn't make runs against Pakistan but since then he has done really well. The fact that a healthy competition is going on for opening slot is very positive for us.," he said.

Nazmul Hossain has not gotten an opportunity in the Zimbabwe series but he is another one who will like to play more matches.

"Even in the absence of Tamim, there is competition. I am certain that when all three will be available and Tamim returns, the competition will increase because Tamim is the real performer," Mashrafe said.

Tamim Iqbal had been in fantastic touch for a long period of time in ODIs before he was forced out with the injury. He was in incredible run-making form during the West Indies series. Having players who are performing well will only keep Bangladesh players on their toes and always ready to take any opportunity that comes their way.