Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal emphasized the critical role of the top four batsmen in securing a victory against South Africa in their ICC T20 World Cup Group D match on Monday.
"I think it has to come from the top four," Tamim told ESPNCricinfo on Sunday.
Heading into the T20 World Cup, Bangladesh's top order was seen as a weak point. In their tournament opener against Sri Lanka, the top four comprised Tanzid Tamim, Soumya Sarkar, Liton Das, and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto. Among them, only Liton Das managed a notable performance, scoring 36 off 38 balls in a 125-run chase.
Tamim expressed hope that Liton would build on his innings against Sri Lanka and that other top-order batsmen would step up as well.
"Liton has been struggling for a while, didn't have the most fluent innings last game but still he got some runs so he should be feeling a little confident. He has done well in the past against South Africa. Soumya has done well against South Africa in the past also. So, I think these guys will be key," Tamim said.
He also highlighted the importance of experienced players like Mahmudullah and Shakib Al Hasan, stressing the need for a combined team effort rather than relying on individual performances. "I think if Bangladesh can play as a unit and then score 160-165, even 150, given the way the wicket is behaving, you never know," added Tamim.
The South African top-order has also struggled for runs in the tournament. In their match against the Netherlands, they were reduced to 12-4 at one point while chasing 104. It was David Miller's unbeaten 59 off 51 balls that eventually bailed them out.
Bd-pratidin English/Tanvir Raihan
