Failure in T20 has made me wiser, says Tamim Iqbal

After playing a mature, unbeaten knock of 83 and performing a central role in his team’s important win over the Netherlands in the World T20 qualifier at the HPCA Stadium here on Wednesday, the ace Bangladeshi opener admitted that a change in approach helped him realise his potential in the shortest format of the game.

In nine years, Tamim, who will celebrate his 27th birthday later this month, has played only 47 T20 internationals for Bangladesh and has scored less than 1,000 runs at an average of about 22.

Finally, Tamim Iqbal has come off age in T20 cricket.

After playing a mature, unbeaten knock of 83 and performing a central role in his team’s important win over the Netherlands in the World T20 qualifier at the HPCA Stadium here on Wednesday, the ace Bangladeshi opener admitted that a change in approach helped him realise his potential in the shortest format of the game.

In nine years, Tamim, who will celebrate his 27th birthday later this month, has played only 47 T20 internationals for Bangladesh and has scored less than 1,000 runs at an average of about 22.

“I have been talking to the players and coaches on how to go about T20 cricket. Honestly, I was not doing justice to my talent — I was not scoring too many runs in T20s. So, I had to find new ways to score runs in T20s and I have been quite successful at home and in Dubai (Pakistan Super League). I just wanted to bat that way here,” said Tamim.

Wiser by failure

Tamim, who has been one of the leading run-getters for Bangladesh in Tests and one-dayers, said the failure in Twenty20 cricket made him wiser. “I have been playing for Bangladesh for the last 10 years but have played only 47 T20Is; that is not a lot. I was not that successful. There is always time to learn. The last six months have been good in T20s. I am happy that I am carrying the form to the World T20 as well.”

The dashing batsman said he understood the benefits of keeping one’s cool. “I tried to be more calm, didn’t try to hit too hard early. If everything goes well, my success chances go higher.”

Like a mature batsman, Tamim gave priority to the team’s cause and did not regret missing an opportunity to score a century. “I was thinking of taking team to 150. I knew it was a winning score,” he said.