Tamim seeks to restore Bangladesh’s confidence

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Tamim Iqbal has urged the national team to stay united and fight together after their heavy defeat to Zimbabwe, with opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim saying the discussion had helped restore the players’ confidence.

Bangladesh suffered a 99-run defeat to Zimbabwe in the opening match of the tri-nation ODI series, having already lost the three-match One Day International series in Zimbabwe 1-2. The back-to-back setbacks prompted Tamim to sit down with the players.

Speaking in a video message released by the BCB, Tanzid said the meeting covered the team’s problems and the reasons behind their series defeat in Zimbabwe.

“We had a very good meeting with him. The BCB always stands beside us, in good times and bad. We discussed the problems we are facing and why we lost the ODI series in Zimbabwe. Overall, he boosted our confidence further,” Tanzid said on Tuesday.

The opener also urged the players to maintain a positive environment and approach matches as a united team.

“He said we are like a family and gave us a positive message about ensuring that nothing negative develops within this family,” Tanzid added.

The BCB chief stressed the need to prepare equally well for every international match, regardless of the opposition.

“Whether the opponent is Zimbabwe or Australia, every international match must be given equal importance. We need the same level of preparation, stay united and perform well in all departments as a team,” Tanzid concluded.

Tigers will now look to turn that message into results when they face Afghanistan in their next tri-nation series match, with a place in the final also at stake.