Cricket
PM mediates Tamim's return from shortest retirement in history
Bangladesh's star batter, Tamim Iqbal, has reversed his decision to retire, roughly 30 hours after announcing it. Tamim met with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday and said he changed his mind.
On Thursday, Tamim had declared his retirement from all forms of international cricket after a controversy surrounding his fitness and some harsh comments from Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Nazmul Hasan.
"I have decided to change my retirement decision," Tamim said after the meeting with the Prime Minister. "I cannot say no to the head of the country."
He said the Prime Minister had ordered him to revoke his retirement and take a leave.
During Tamim's meeting with the Prime Minister on Friday afternoon, former Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza and the BCB President were with him.
Tamim Iqbal's International Cricket Career Overview: Records and Achievements
For now, Tamim will be on leave from cricket for one and a half months. He is expected to make a return in the Asia Cup, scheduled to be played in August-September this year.
Everything started with a comment from Tamim ahead of the first ODI against Afghanistan on July fifth. While addressing a question regarding his fitness, Tamim said he is not fully fit but decided to play the first match to see where his fitness stands.
BCB president responded harshly to this comment of Tamim and said Bangladesh's head coach Chandika Hathurusingha also did not take Tamim's comment lightly.
Litton Das replaces Tamim as Bangladesh's ODI captain
He also said that Chandika called Tamim's comment unprofessional and said “this is not gully cricket”.
All this might have moved Tamim emotionally and he came up with an abrupt retirement decision that left his teammates and BCB shattered.
Preview of BAN vs AFG 2nd ODI 2023
Following their victory in the first ODI of the 2023 BAN vs AFG ODI series, Afghanistan will surely aim to maintain their strong performance in the second match of the three-match series. The match will take place at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram. The match will start at 2:00 pm on July 8, 2023.
Bangladesh vs Afghanistan 2nd ODI 2023 Preview
Bangladesh received a significant setback as their captain, Tamim Iqbal, will not be available for the remaining two ODIs. The 34-year-old cricketer announced his retirement right after the first ODI. In the recent One-off Test match, Litton Das took charge as the captain. And Litton Das will be the captain for BAN vs AFG 2nd ODI 2023.
The first ODI between the two teams was a rain-affected match. The visiting team's strong performance played a crucial role in their victory through the Duckworth–Lewis-Stern (DLS) method. In the last match, the Bangladesh team gave one of the most disappointing performances in recent times. Bangladesh struggled to reach a total of 169/9 in 43 overs, with only Towhid Hridoy achieving a half-century. Afghanistan, in their chase, had Ibrahim Zadran contribute significantly with 41 runs, driving them to 83/2 in 21.2 overs. However, rain intervened once again, and the match's outcome was determined by the DLS method.
Read more: Tamim Iqbal's International Cricket Career Overview: Records and Achievements
Looking ahead, Bangladesh will be missing the presence of Tamim, who has been replaced by Rony Talukdar in the squad.
Table: Top performers of BAN vs AFG first ODI
Players
Role
Performance
Towhid Hridoy
Batter
51 runs from 69 balls
Litton Das
Batter
26 runs from 35 balls
Fazalhaq Farooqi
Bowler
Took 3 wickets
Mujeeb Ur Rahman
Bowler
Took 2 wickets
Ibrahim Zadran
Batter
41 runs from 58 balls
Shakib Al Hassan
All rounder
Took 1 wicket with 1.8 economy rate
Who has the competitive edge considering the overall ODI records so far?
Afghanistan entered the white-ball series after facing a 2-1 defeat against Sri Lanka in the 50-over format. Before that, they emerged victorious in a T20I series against an inexperienced Pakistan team, winning 2-1. In contrast, Bangladesh enjoyed victory in the ODI series against Ireland, sweeping them aside with a 2-0 victory.
When it comes to both teams’ overall head-to-head record, Bangladesh and Afghanistan have faced each other 12 times in the 50-over format. Out of these encounters, Bangladesh have emerged victorious on seven occasions, while Afghanistan have triumphed five times. In the recent first ODI, Afghanistan’s win ended Bangladesh’s four-match winning streak against them.
Read more: Litton Das replaces Tamim as Bangladesh's ODI captain
Table: Bangladesh vs Afghanistan Head-to-Head Record So Far
Number of Matches
Bangladesh’s Win
Afghanistan’s Win
Bangladesh’s Win at Home
Afghanistan’s Away Win
Results in Neutral Ground
12
7
5
4
4
Bangladesh’s win 3
Afghanistan’s win 1
So, considering the past meetings, Bangladesh have competitive edge over the Afghans.
Bangladesh’s Strengths and Weakness
Chattogram’s wicket was a bit weird in the last match. Despite losing the first ODI against Afghanistan, the top performer of that match, Towhid Hridoy, has no complaints about Chattogram's wicket. Rather, the team’s batting failure is the main reason, and it was Bangladesh’s weakness in the last match. The correct rhythm among the top orders is necessary to score a big hit. However, it is expected that the team will learn from the mistake and turn around in the 2023 BAN vs AFG 2nd ODI.
As Chattogram’s wicket is spin-friendly, spinners like Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz will be Bangladesh’s trump cards. However, fast bowlers also did pretty well in the last match. So, they can also be assets. Mustafiz’s 2.5 econ rate in 4 overs has helped to slow down Afghan run machine.
Read more: Tamim's sudden retirement leaves teammates shattered and emotional
Afghanistan’s Strengths and Weakness
According to Afghan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi, their spin has become world-renowned in recent days. And we should admit this. Also, we saw that in the last match. The performances of Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Rashid Khan have slowed down the Tigers. Mujeeb had a 2.6 econ rate from 9 overs, and Rashid gave 2.3 runs on average from 9 overs. So, spin dependency is definitely Afghanistan’s greatest strength.
Afghans are gradually improving themselves. They have failed several times to maintain synchronisation within the team. So, this might be a weakness. However, they have overcome that in recent matches.
Probable Player List of 2023 BAN vs AFG 2nd ODI
Probable XI for Bangladesh
Litton Das, Rony Talukdar, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Mustafizur Rahman.
Probable XI for Afghanistan
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Sayed Shirzad, Izharulhaq Naveed.
Read more: ‘Match against Afghanistan final match of my career’: A weeping Tamim Iqbal announces retirement from international cricket
Key Players of BAN vs AFG 2nd ODI Match 2023
Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh)
Shakib Al Hasan, the experienced all-rounder, has been considered one of the best all-rounders in the world for the past two decades. He has shown outstanding skills both as a batsman and a bowler. After recovering from a finger injury, Shakib is even more motivated to make significant contributions to his team’s success. This year, the all-rounder has scored 312 runs from eight innings in ODIs. He has maintained an average of 39 runs per inning with the bat. As a bowler, Shakib has taken eight wickets, including a four-wicket haul.
Ibrahim Zadran (Afghanistan)
In 2023, Ibrahim Zadran accumulated 215 runs in four innings so far. He boasts an impressive batting average of 71.66. Interestingly, in the previous year, he had an even higher average of 71.83 in the ODI format. These numbers highlight Ibrahim’s remarkable consistency as an opener for his team.
Who will win the BAN vs AFG 2nd ODI?
The Afghanistan team displayed brilliance in all aspects of the game in their previous match against Bangladesh. Although the Tigers will be eager to make a comeback, it will not be easy to overpower the visitors. Afghanistan have momentum on their side, led by Hashmatullah and his teammates, and the conditions also favour them.
Final Words
The host team, Bangladesh, will surely aim for a strong comeback in the 2023 BAN vs AFG 2nd match. However, the sudden retirement announcement from Tamim may create an imbalance in the team’s rhythm. But, still, we are hoping for the best and want to see a good clash.
Analysis of BAN vs AFG 1st ODI 2023
Tamim Iqbal's International Cricket Career Overview: Records and Achievements
In the exciting world of cricket, where amazing players become heroes and their incredible achievements become sports history, there are only a few special individuals who go beyond just playing the game and manage to touch the hearts of millions. Tamim Iqbal, a talented batsman from Bangladesh, is one such extraordinary person. He has created unforgettable moments on the cricket field and has become a source of inspiration for an entire nation. In his 16-year career, Tamim has more than 15,000 runs, along with some incredible records for Bangladesh.
Yesterday (July 6, 2023) Tamim Iqbal announced the end of his career for the Bangladesh cricket team. Opinions among fans are divided regarding Tamim's retirement announcement. Some fans consider it a "timely decision", while others believe it is an "irreparable" loss for Bangladeshi cricket, especially with the World Cup approaching. Records say, the Bangladesh cricket team will certainly miss Tamim Iqbal.
Tamim’s achievements as a cricketer are noteworthy. He is the highest scorer for Bangladesh across all three formats. He said goodbye to international cricket after scoring more than 15,000 runs in three formats. Tamim has the highest, 25, centuries in all three formats for Bangladesh. Tamim’s 14 centuries in ODIs are the highest century record in ODIs by any Bangladeshi player.
Read more: Litton Das replaces Tamim as Bangladesh's ODI captain
In 2011, Tamim became one of the four cricketers of the year by the Wisden Almanack, which is known as the "Bible of Cricket". In the same year, the left-hander was selected as the second Bangladeshi to be named Wisden’s Test Cricketer of the Year. Tamim scored 295 runs in the 2016 T20 World Cup and became the highest run scorer of the tournament.
Tamim Iqbal delivered incredible performances both on Bangladeshi soil and outside the country. His average is 37 at home and 35 away, with seven centuries at both places.
Litton Das replaces Tamim as Bangladesh's ODI captain
Litton Das has been named as the replacement for Tamim Iqbal as the captain of Bangladesh for the remaining two ODIs of the Afghanistan series.
On Thursday night, the President of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), Nazmul Hasan, announced the decision at a hotel in Gulshan.
He also expressed his dissatisfaction with the way Tamim announced his retirement from international cricket.
Read: Tamim's sudden retirement leaves teammates shattered and emotional
The BCB will wait for Tamim to reconsider his retirement before announcing the name of a regular captain.
Following Tamim's sudden retirement, the Bangladesh team management included Rony Talukder in the ODI team.
Read: ‘Match against Afghanistan final match of my career’: A weeping Tamim Iqbal announces retirement from international cricket
While the first ODI of the series was on 5th July, the remaining two matches will be played on July 8th and 11th in Chattogram. After the ODI series, both the teams will play s two-match T20 series in Sylhet.
Tamim's sudden retirement leaves teammates shattered and emotional
While they were meant to be busy preparing for the next match of the ongoing ODI series against Afghanistan, the teammates of Tamim Iqbal took to social media instead to express their love for their recently retired teammate and captain.
Tamim, one of the finest batters ever produced by Bangladesh, announced his retirement from international cricket midway through the Afghanistan series, leaving his teammates in shock. Many of them expressed disbelief that Tamim would no longer lead the ODI side in the remaining matches of the series.
Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, Tamim's former captain and teammate, shared a heartfelt post on social media, referring to Tamim as his own "sniper" during his captaincy of the Bangladesh ODI team.
Read: ‘Match against Afghanistan final match of my career’: A weeping Tamim Iqbal announces retirement from international cricket
"I understand your emotional state, and I want to emphasise that Bangladesh cricket will forever remember the contributions you have made. Time will reveal the immense amount of hard work, dedication, talent, and sacrifice it takes to reach the level of a player like Tamim," Mashrafe further wrote.
"We have shared great memories, celebrated achievements, victories, and endured tough times together. It's incredibly difficult to believe that we will no longer share the dressing room and take our nation to victories," Mushfiqur Rahim, Tamim's former captain, teammate, and friend, wrote on his social media page.
Read: Afghanistan outplay Bangladesh in first ODI match marred by rain
While bidding farewell to Tamim, Mushfiqur regarded him as the best batter ever in Bangladesh.
"We batted together, shared the dressing room, and created numerous memories. I can't believe you will no longer play for Bangladesh," Litton Das also expressed his feelings on his social media page, accompanied by a broken heart emoji.
Not only teammates from the Bangladesh team, but players from other countries have also expressed their love for Tamim. Sri Lanka's Angelo Mathews congratulated Tamim for his "stellar career" on Twitter.
"It was great to see you achieve so many great things since U-19!" he wrote. Dimuth Karunarathna, another Sri Lankan player, also took to Twitter to express his love for Tamim.
Also read: Litton Das replaces Tamim as Bangladesh's ODI captain
Since making his international debut in February 2007 against Zimbabwe, Tamim has emerged as one of Bangladesh's top batsmen. With an impressive tally of over 15,000 runs across 70 Tests, 241 ODIs, and 78 T20Is, he has cemented his position. Notably, Tamim holds the record for the highest number of centuries achieved by any Bangladeshi cricketer, boasting an impressive 25 centuries to his name.
‘Match against Afghanistan final match of my career’: A weeping Tamim Iqbal announces retirement from international cricket
Tamim Iqbal, the ODI captain of Bangladesh, has announced his retirement from international cricket.
In a surprise move, last night, Tamim called for a personal press conference today and bid farewell to international cricket.
“The match I played against Afghanistan is the final match of my career," Tamim declared at a hotel in Chattogram, his hometown.
Also read: Tamim determined to play despite fitness concerns in Afghanistan Series Opener
"I have been contemplating this decision for a long time and have discussed it with my family,” the star cricketer said.
During the retirement announcement, Tamim appeared visibly moved, wiping away tears.
"I believe this is the right time to say goodbye," he said. "I am grateful to many. I have often mentioned that I play cricket to fulfill my father's dream. I don't know how proud I have made him over the last 16 years."
Also read: Every match is a tough match in the World Cup: Tamim Iqbal
Tamim showed emotional distress while expressing these sentiments, frequently wiping his eyes.
"I want to thank all my team-mates from the youth team to national team, coaches, BCB officials, my family members, and those who have been with me through my long journey. They kept faith in me,” the ODI skipper said.
He also thanked fans for their support throughout his long journey in international cricket.
In the past few days, Tamim found himself embroiled in controversy. Prior to the first ODI against Afghanistan, he had mentioned that he was not fully fit but would play the match and assess his fitness thereafter.
This comment sparked controversy, with even the BCB president, Nazmul Hasan, criticizing Tamim's statement in an interview with a Bangla Daily newspaper. Nazmul stated that even Bangladesh's head coach, Chandika Hathurusingha, was unhappy with Tamim's comment before the match.
Also read: Tamim Iqbal ruled out of Afghanistan Test
Tamim has been grappling with various injury issues for a significant period. He missed the Test match against Afghanistan last month due to an injury. Moreover, he was not in optimal fitness ahead of the first ODI against Afghanistan, which took place on July 5th in Chattogram.
"I have always tried to give my best throughout my career," added Tamim, regarded as one of the best openers produced by Bangladesh. "I am unsure of how much I have achieved. But whenever I stepped onto the field, I gave it my all."
Tamim made his international debut in February 2007 against Zimbabwe. Since then, he has established himself as one of Bangladesh's premier batters. Accumulating over 15,000 runs in international cricket—70 Tests, 241 ODIs, and 78 T20Is—Tamim holds the record for the most centuries by any Bangladeshi cricketer, with 25 centuries to his name.
Also read: Taskin ruled out, Tamim uncertain as Tigers set to take on Ireland in one-off Test
He played a vital role in elevating Bangladesh's standing in ODIs. His retirement from international cricket, just a few months before the upcoming World Cup, will undoubtedly be felt by the Bangladesh team.
The left-handed batter had previously retired from T20Is last year, but he had continued to play ODIs and Tests.
Analysis of BAN vs AFG 1st ODI 2023
The first match of the Bangladesh vs Afghanistan ODI series 2023 started like a nightmare for the Tigers. Afghanistan emerged victorious in the first ODI against Bangladesh, defeating the hosts by a margin of 17 runs (according to the DLS method) in a rain-affected match. However, the performance of the Tigers was disappointing throughout the match. Let’s go over the overall performance of both teams.
Bangladesh’s Batting Performance
Afghan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi won the toss and sent the Tigers to bat first at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram. However, Bangladesh could not move towards a big goal as no one could score runs except Towhid Hridoy. And rain also hampered the match.
Bangladesh lost 7 wickets for 139 runs. In the rain-interrupted match, they finally scored 169 for 9 in 43 overs, but it was not enough to fight.
Tamim Iqbal could not stay on the wicket for long. He departed after scoring 13 runs off 21 balls. In the 12th over of the innings, Litton went back with a catch at deep square leg by Afghan spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman. Litton could have played the short-length ball from Mujeeb down if he wanted to. But while picking it up, Rahmat Shah caught it at deep square. Litton Das scored 26 runs off 35 balls.
Read more: Afghanistan outplay Bangladesh in first ODI match marred by rain
After that, Najmul Hossain Shanto was the hope for Bangladesh. Shanto is the most trusted name in Bangladesh’s batting lineup in recent times. Even yesterday, he started positively. But the innings was not long enough. Mohammad Nabi hit in his first ball, and Shanto gave the catch at short fine leg while sweeping. Bangladesh was under some pressure after losing 2 wickets in 2 consecutive overs.
After one ball in the sixteenth over, the match was stopped due to rain. After losing 3 wickets for 72 runs, Shakib Al Hasan and Towhid Hridoy were guiding the Tigers. However, Shakib seemed to be feeling the pressure as he couldn’t keep the run wheels going like that. The all-rounder was caught by Mohammad Nabi while playing an off-side shot by Azmatullah Omarzai. As a result, he broke the partnership, and Shakib scored 14 runs off 34 balls.
Mushfiqur Rahim, who came to the crease after that, could not spark yesterday. Facing Rashid Khan’s terrible googly, Mushfiqur scored 1 run from 3 balls. Bangladesh’s top-order batting lineup collapsed in front of the Afghan spinners. Afif, who was out of the main squad for a while, returned to the team with this series. But he also could not accompany Towhid. After that, Miraz came to the pitch, and he scored 5 from 23 balls. At last, Bangladesh collected 169 runs for 9 wickets. Overall, Towhid Hridoy was the key player for Bangladesh yesterday, and he scored 51 from 69 balls.
Read more: Watch Live BAN vs AFG Series 2023 on Toffee: Bangladesh vs Afghanistan ODI cricket series will be broadcasted live on Toffee app
Afghanistan outplay Bangladesh in first ODI match marred by rain
Afghanistan emerged victorious in the first match of the three-match ODI series against Bangladesh on Wednesday at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram.
The visiting team secured a 17-run win under the Duckworth-Lewis (DL) method. The match was interrupted by rain multiple times, eventually ending during the 22nd over of Afghanistan's innings.
When Afghanistan was batting at 83 for two in pursuit of 164 runs in 43 overs, rain interrupted play and no further action was possible. Eventually, Afghanistan's revised target was set at 67 runs from 21.4 overs, but they had already surpassed that total, securing victory.
Also read: Afghanistan need 164 runs in 43 overs in 1st ODI vs Bangladesh
Taskin Ahmed and Shakib Al Hasan claimed one wicket each for Bangladesh.
Earlier, during Bangladesh's innings, rain interrupted play on two occasions, resulting in a reduced match length of 43 overs per side.
Afghanistan won the toss and elected to bat first.
Also read: Bangladesh Bat First in Series Opener against Afghanistan
The hosts struggled with their batting, as the openers managed only 30 runs in 6.5 overs. After Fazalhaq Farooqi dismissed Tamim Iqbal for 13, Bangladesh lost wickets rapidly.
Both Najmul Hossain Shanto and Shakib Al Hasan got off to good starts but failed to capitalize, getting out for 12 and 15 runs respectively.
The only positive for Bangladesh was the fighting half-century from Towhid Hridoy, who scored 51 runs off 69 balls.
Mushfiqur Rahim, Afif Hossain, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz all returned with single-digit scores.
Also read: Every match is a tough match in the World Cup: Tamim Iqbal
Farooqi claimed three wickets for 24 runs for Afghanistan, while spinners Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Rashid Khan each took two wickets.
The second match of the Afghanistan vs. Bangladesh series will be played on July 8, while the third and final match is scheduled for July 11 at the same venue.
Afghanistan need 164 runs in 43 overs in 1st ODI vs Bangladesh
In the first match of the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan on Wednesday in Chattogram, Bangladesh tumbled for 169 for nine in 43 overs. To win this match, Afghanistan has a revised target of 164 runs in 43 overs.
During Bangladesh's innings, the match was interrupted by rain twice, resulting in a reduced match length of 43 overs per side.
Afghanistan won the toss and elected to bat first.
Also read: Bangladesh Bat First in Series Opener against Afghanistan
The hosts failed to perform well, with the openers managing only 30 runs in 6.5 overs. After Fazalhaq Farooqi dismissed Tamim Iqbal for 13, Bangladesh lost wickets quickly.
Both Najmul Hossain Shanto and Shakib Al Hasan got a good start but failed to capitalize, getting out for 12 and 15 respectively.
Bangladesh's only positive was the fighting half-century from Towhid Hridoy, who scored 51 runs off 69 balls.
Also read: Watch Live BAN vs AFG Series 2023 on Toffee: Bangladesh vs Afghanistan ODI cricket series will be broadcasted live on Toffee app
Mushfiqur Rahim, Afif Hossain, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz all returned with single-digit scores.
For Afghanistan, Farooqi claimed three wickets for 24 runs, while spinners Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Rashid Khan each bagged two wickets.
Also read: ICC World Cup 2023: Schedule, Fixtures, Venues, Team List
Bangladesh Bat First in Series Opener against Afghanistan
Bangladesh lost the toss and have been asked to bat first in the first match of the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan on Wednesday in Chattogram.
Bangladesh has made three changes to their playing XI from their last ODI against Ireland. Ebadot Hossain, Rony Talukder, and Mrittunjoy Chowdhury have been replaced by Afif Hossain, Shakib Al Hasan, and Taskin Ahmed.
Read: Watch Live BAN vs AFG Series 2023 on Toffee: Bangladesh vs Afghanistan ODI cricket series will be broadcasted live on Toffee app
Tamim Iqbal, the Bangladesh captain, has made it to the playing XI despite injury concerns. He said he is not a hundred percent fit, but he will play the series opener.
Afghanistan toured Bangladesh in June for a one-off Test match and has now returned for a three-match ODI and two-match T20 series.
Bangladesh (Playing XI): Tamim Iqbal(c), Litton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim(w), Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud.
Read:BAN vs AFG Live ODI 2023, where to watch: TV channels and live streaming | Playing XI
Tamim Iqbal-led Bangl
Afghanistan (Playing XI): Rahmanullah Gurbaz(w), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi(c), Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Saleem Safi//