Tamim not overly concerned about Afghan spin threat

Known for being spin-heavy with the likes of Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Mohammad Nabi in the Afghanistan team, the visitors are expected to be a challenge for hosts Bangladesh's batters in the upcoming three match ODI series, starting tomorrow in Chattogram.

However, according to Bangladesh skipper Tamim Iqbal, the hosts are not overthinking about the Afghan spin threat, instead looking forward to adapt and give their best in the series.

"I am not willing to think and talk much about any specific bowler. As I said they have got some good bowlers and probably they got the best spin attack. But we have played well against them, especially in the ODI format. So why should we think much again? Instead of thinking about the opponent, we should focus on our strength," Tamim said after a training session in Chattogram on Tuesday.

"The three names that you mentioned are not going to bowl full fifty overs as they will also need to use two more bowlers who are also good. You won't get easy bowlers in international cricket as there will be different challenges where some teams depend on spin while others bank on pace. So we have to adjust and give our best accordingly.

"We also need to pick those 10 wickets, so we need to think about their batters as well. We know what can be our danger zone and how to plan on specific areas and we have been discussing about this in the last couple of days. No matter what I say here if we are not able to execute on the field, it won't count," Tamim added.

The left-handed opener will be making a comeback to international since the Tigers played their last ODI series against Zimbabwe in July. The 32-year-old is looking forward to return in front of the home crowd.

Fans wait in queue for tickets. Photo: Firoz Ahmed

"There is a special place in my heart for Chattogram. Its good to have crowd as we will be playing in front of our home crowd after a while. The fans at times play the role of the 12th man; no matter whether we play well or not, they support us," Tamim said.

However, according to the Bangladesh Cricket Board's media commitee chairman Tanvir Ahmed Tito, only three-to-four thousand spectators will be allowed for the first game. The remaining matches, meanwhile, will be played before full capacity.

"We played an ODI in last July and we are returning after 6-7 months. Everyone is excited and undoubtedly one-day is our favourite format as we have quite a few one-day games compared to the previous year. We are looking forward to tomorrow and hoping to do well," the ODI captain concluded.