T20 series
Bangladesh want to end New Zealand tour with consolation win
he Tigers now want to end their New Zealand tour with a consolation victory in the third T20 after being swept 3-0 in the ODI series and losing the first two T20s.
Bangladesh's New Zealand tour started with the hope that the Tigers would register their maiden win in the island country against the hosts.
They have played 31 matches against the Kiwis in New Zealand, but are yet to win a game against them here.
Also read: Soumya hit fifty but Tigers lose T20Is series against Kiwis
The final T20 match of the series is slated to be played on April 1 in Auckland at 12pm (Bangladesh time).
Bangladesh top-order batsman Soumya Sarkar said, "We still believe that winning matches in New Zealand is still possible for us if we can play as a team and perform together."
"The bowlers did well in one match, the batsmen in the other – this is how we played against New Zealand. But we have to play as a team if we want to win here," Soumya told the media over a video message.
Also read: Tigers start T20 series vs New Zealand with big defeat
"We were good at fielding in the last game but failed to bowl well and continue the good momentum while chasing a tough total. We have to play well in all three departments of the game."
Bangladesh lost the first T20 of the series by 66 runs. They lost the next game by 28 runs in the DL method; Soumya hit a 50 but his effort went in vain as other batsmen failed to respond.
Before the T20 series, the Tigers faced the hosts in a three-match ODI series which they lost 3-0.
Bangladesh vs New Zealand T20 Series 2021: Who can replace Tamim in the opening slot?
After reaching New Zealand, Bangladesh ODI captain Tamim Iqbal told the media that he would not participate in the T20 series due to personal reasons. The Bangladesh Cricket Board could not make an alternative of Tamim as an opener in any format, therefore his absence will be a big blow for Bangladesh. Furthermore, this is Mahmudullah Riyad's first series as a permanent captain. As a result, Riyad will face a significant challenge in not having the team's most prolific batsman in a difficult condition like New Zealand. Let's discuss who can replace Tamim in the opening slot?
What should be the ideal alternative of Tamim Iqbal for the T20 format?
Tamim Iqbal holds almost all of Bangladesh's batting records. He is the first Tigers batsman to score a century in all formats. Tamim's only century in the T20 format came in the 2016 T20 World Cup against Oman. In that match, he played a fiery 103-run knock.
In consideration of Bangladesh's future, BCB should look for Tamim's replacement for the series against New Zealand. Since we must note that Tamim Iqbal is in his mid-30s and may not be able to play T20 cricket for a long time.
After the T20 World Cup 2021 in India, some Bangladeshi senior cricketers may retire from the format. In that case, the BCB should be more focused on finding a permanent alternative for the seniors from now on.
Tamim Iqbal’s T20 International Career
Batting Stats
Match
Inn
Runs
HS
S/R
100s
78
78
1758
103*
116.96
Read: Bangladesh vs New Zealand 2021: Tamim-led team shows promise in 2nd ODI
Five potential players to replace Tamim in the New Zealand T20 Series
Liton Kumar Das open the Bangladesh innings with Tamim in T20 format. So we left out him and mentioned five possible alternatives for the series. Let’s take a look at five players who can replace opener Tamim Iqbal for New Zealand series 2021
1. Soumya Sarkar
T20 Career Stats: M: 138 | Inn: 136 | Runs: 2,423 | HS: 88* | S/R: 119.24 | 100s: 0
Soumya Sarkar is the first name on Tamim's list of possible replacements. For the past seven years, he has been a member of the Bangladesh national team. But he hasn't been able to secure his place in the national team so far. The left-arm batsman has a lot of talent but could not make the most of it despite getting enough opportunities. Now he has retained his place in the team with medium pace in addition to batting. Soumya bats at number 7 and sometimes at number 3 when the team requires it. In the absence of Tamim, we could see Liton and Soumya open the innings for Bangladesh.
Read: Shakib Al Hasan: What lies ahead after a dispute with BCB?
2. Mohammad Naim
T20 Career Stats: M: 35 | Inn: 34 | Runs: 928 | HS: 105 | S/R: 116.43 | 100s: 01
Bangladesh toured India after the 2019 World Cup. Tamim Iqbal did not play in that tour. In his place, the former top-order batsman of the Bangladesh U19 side opened with Liton. He won his first international match. Naeem Sheikh demonstrated his talent by scoring 81 runs in the second Twenty20 match against India. Since then, the selectors have special attention to this tall left-arm batsman. Naim is now a regular member of the national team squad. However, he is not a regular starter due to a lack of opportunities. In the absence of Tamim, Mohammad Naeem is a strong contender to be Liton's opening partner.
Read: Pro Kabaddi Tournament Could Rejuvenate Bangladesh’s National Sport
3. Nazmul Hossain Shanto
T20 Career Stats: M: 61 | Inn: 57 | Runs: 1,208 | HS: 115* | S/R: 129.61 | 100s: 02
Nazmul Hossain Shanto, one of the best batsmen in the under-19 squad, has been a consistent performer in the domestic circuit. As a result, he is getting many chances to play for the national team. But, like Soumya, this young left-arm top-order batsman is struggling to capitalize on many opportunities. Nazmul Hossain Shant failed miserably after getting a chance in the ODI and Test series against the Windies at home last January. In the absence of veteran Tamim Iqbal, he may be given another opportunity to play against New Zealand. But would he be able to make the most of this opportunity this time?
Read: Potential Young Players Who Could Rule World Football Next Decade
4. Parvez Hossain Emon
T20 Career Stats: M: 10 | Inn: 10 | Runs: 233 | HS: 100* | S/R: 130.16 | 100s: 01
Top-order batsman Parvez Hossain Emon has the potential to be one of Bangladesh's brightest stars. He played a key role in helping Bangladesh win the U19 World Cup even after being injured in the final of the Youth World Cup against India. Parvez recently set a record by scoring a century off just 42 balls in a match of the Bangabandhu T20 Cup competition. Since then, he has gained the BCB selectors' favor. Parvez was included in Bangladesh's initial squad for the recent Windies series but was later omitted due to injury. He has a fair chance of being included in the squad for the forthcoming New Zealand series. In that case, Pervez Hossain Emon could represent Bangladesh in a match.
Read: How to Become a Cricketer in Bangladesh: An Overall Guideline
5. Anamul Haque Bijoy
T20 Career Stats: M: 119 | Inn: 114 | Runs: 2,378 | HS: 105 | S/R: 118.78 | 100s: 01
Enamul Bijoy was once regarded as a potential star for the Bangladesh national team. Enamul had an excellent start in the international arena, but he was dropped from the squad after the 2015 World Cup. He couldn't secure a place in the team after that.
Despite many opportunities, the right-handed top-order batsman was dropped from the national team for a poor batting display. However, the selectors may include this experienced batsman in Tamim's absence because of his consistent success in the domestic league. In that case, Liton's opening partner will be Enamul Haque.
Read: Famous Bangladeshi athletes with the most unique records
England thumps India by 8 wickets in first T20
England flattened India’s fancied batting lineup to win the first Twenty20 by eight wickets on Friday.
Sumon bags four as Bangladesh Emerging seal series vs Ireland Wolves
Bangladesh Emerging Team won the fourth one-day by eight wickets against touring Ireland Wolves on Friday in Dhaka.
Finch stars as Australia levels T20 series with New Zealand
Captain Aaron Finch carried his bat for 79 from 55 balls to propel Australia to a 50-run win over New Zealand in the fourth Twenty20 and level the five-match series 2-2 on Friday.
Tamim eyeing practice at Christchurch
The Tigers are looking forward to starting outdoor practice at Christchurch ahead of the three-match ODI and three-match T20 series against the hosts from March 20.
Tigers fly to New Zealand Tuesday
Bangladesh cricket team is all set to fly to New Zealand on Tuesday at 4pm through a Singapore Airlines flight.
Australia to tour Bangladesh later this year
Australia national cricket team will tour Bangladesh later this year. They will take on the hosts in a T20Is series during the brief tour right ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup which will take place in India.
In 2020, cricket took a backseat to COVID-19
The year of 2020 supposed to be a busy year for cricket in Bangladesh, but it has ended as a barren one due to the novel coronavirus which was detected first in the country in March this year.
Bangladesh-Zimbabwe T20 series begins Monday
After whitewashing Zimbabwe 3-0 in the ODI series, the Tigers are set to start their two-match T20 series against the visitors on Monday at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur with an eye on the best combination for the ensuing T20 World Cup.