While Tamim Iqbal’s strike rate in the shorter format of the cricket of late garnered a huge discussion, most in negative way, Dhaka Platoon coach Mohammad Salahuddin looked annoyed by it, saying that the opener has been playing just according to the role given by the team.
Tamim scored 318 runs with three 50’s with an average 53.00 runs while his strike rate is just 115.21. In T20 International cricket, his average is just shed over 116 while the ODI strike rate in only 77.
In the modern day cricket explosive openers have a strike rate over 140.00 and compared to that Tamim strike rate is certainly not on the high side but according to their head coach it is not a problem for them as he is fulfilling the requirements of the team perfectly.
“Tamim has a different role in our team,” Salahuddin said here on Tuesday.
“Because I think, as long as Tamim is there in the wicket, it will be beneficial for us. Because I think we have many power hitters down the order. There will be a player who will play a long innings. So, the way Tamim has been playing, I am pleased,” added Salahuddin, who is also known as the mentor of Tamim.
“When he will play for the national team, he will have a different role. The way he is playing for this team, I think that is just accurate,” he said adding that they did not give him any anchor role as such.
“No one has been given to play anchor role. This is very necessary to remain in the wickets. The ability he has, he would cover it up (ball-run gap) and he is doing it. That’s why I am happy about him,” he said.
Tamim’s slow start was the key reason that Dhaka didn’t get an explosive start in the first power play like the other teams but that is not a problem for Salahuddin.
“The way it has been going, I’m really happy about it. Maybe we are not getting much runs. If the batsmen who are playing along with Tamim, they need to play that role,” he remarked.
Dhaka Platoon is in good shape to ensure the play-off spot. They have now 12 points in nine matches and they could well seal the play-off deal if they win against Rangpur Rangers who will take on today (Wednesday) at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Staidum.
“I am still not thinking about top two. Now it is more important for us to go into top fours. We need two more points that might ensure us top-four. Then we will see whether we can reach top-two. But the next match is really important for us,” Salahuddin said.
He, however, looked displeased over the tournament’s fixture.
“I think the fixture could be much improved. We have played three matches in first three days. It becomes so tough for the players. These matches have so much pressure in it. If the players would get rest, then it would be much better. We will also have to play three matches in four days at the end. So the fixture could be much improved,” he concluded.
