Former Bangladesh skipper Tamim Iqbal said on Thursday that he is happy to spend some time in the middle in the ongoing NCL T20 as it was important for him ahead of the Bangladesh Premier League, country’s lone franchise-based T20 tournament.

Tamim, who managed to score only 13 runs in his opening game for Chattogram that marked his return to competitive cricket after a gap of seven months.

The left-handed batter returned to form with a blazing half-century against Sylhet in the second match of the National Cricket League T20. Chattogram clinched a 12-run victory as the game reduced to 15 overs per side due to bad light, at the Sylhet Academy Ground.

Batting first, Chattogram posted 145 for 9, with Tamim leading the charge. The experienced left-hander smashed 65 runs off 33 balls, hitting 8 fours and 3 sixes.

He shared a crucial 80-run opening stand with Mahmudul Hasan Joy, who contributed 29 runs. Despite a middle-order collapse, the strong foundation laid by Tamim and Joy helped Chattogram reach a competitive total.

In reply, Sylhet managed 133 all out in 14.2 overs. Opener Toufiq Khan Tushar fought valiantly, scoring a blistering 76 off 36 balls with 7 fours and 6 sixes.

“Game time was very important for me. That's why I planned to play four or five matches. When you've been out of the game for a long time, you need to adjust to many things. The first match went okay, and the second match went well, Alhamdulillah. Whether I play two or three more matches, game time is extremely important for me, especially for the BPL,” Tamim said  after the game.

“We all know how important the BPL is, and this tournament (NCL T20) is also significant. For me, game time holds great value,” he said adding that he is happy to know that he scored 50 fifties in T20 games.

“50 matches is a milestone. At this stage of my career, I aim to perform well for the team that selects me and try to help the young cricketers too. This achievement feels great. I hope to perform well in the next two or three matches and then focus on the BPL,” he said, adding that he does not play NCL longer-version cricket as he is not playing Test cricket.

“I always play whenever I get the chance. Since I don’t play Test cricket, I don’t often get to participate in the NCL. But whenever I get the opportunity, I play for Chattogram,” said Tamim.