Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza attributed his team’s success to “fearless cricket” after they humbled Oman in the final qualifier to storm into the World Twenty20 Super 10s in Dharamsala, India, on Sunday.
Opener Tamim Iqbal struck his maiden T20 century to help Bangladesh post 180-2 after being put into bat in the knockout game.
Tamim, who has been in blazing form, scoring 83 and 47 in the first two games, became Bangladesh’s only centurion in T20s and Mortaza said he hopes the left-handed batsman’s form rubs off on the other players as well.
“Thanks to Tamim, in the last three matches, he has been scoring. Hopefully others will join him and his form will continue,” Mortaza said.
Bangladesh, who came into the event after a runners-up finish in the Asia Cup, are to meet hosts India, Pakistan, New Zealand and Australia in Group 2 of the Super 10s.
“We are looking forward to the next big four matches. Cannot make any mistakes in the main draw. We played fearless cricket, that was a big decision, but our coach has been giving us confidence,” Mortaza said.
“If you want to perform, you have to play fearless cricket,” he added.
However, Sunday’s show belonged to Tamim, who made sure Bangladesh did not lose early wickets, with the Oman bowlers making the ball move on a moisture-laden track post evening showers.
Making a composed start along with Soumya Sarkar, Tamim switched gears after registering his second fifty of the tournament and there was no looking back.
Tamim, who clobbered 10 fours and five sixes, soon found company in Sabbir Rahman as the duo hit the ball to all parts of the picturesque ground during their 92-run partnership.
“The next stage is very important for us. The Pakistan game is very important. I hope I can continue my form. I finally got a hundred, that was due,” said Tamim, who was voted man-of-the-match.
Getting plenty of confidence from their batting show, Bangladesh’s bowlers restricted Oman to 65-9 after the minnows’ chase was revised to 120 in 12 overs.
Oman — a side who mostly consist of Indian and Pakistani expats — never really got going, and the two rain interventions during their stop-start chase did not help the cause either.
“Today’s game we tried our best. Tamim’s innings was the difference. We have had a good summer, that is why we have come to this level,” Oman captain Sultan Ahmed said.
India face New Zealand in the main draw opener in Nagpur, India, today.
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