Dhaka Platoon head coach Mohammad Salahuddin has dismissed concerns over the strike rate of experienced opener Tamim Iqbal.
Left-handed batsman Tamim has scored 318 runs in eight matches at an average of 53 in the ongoing Bangabandhu Bangladesh Premier League Twenty20, but some see his strike rate of 115.21 as too low for the shortest format.
Former Bangladesh assistant coach Salahuddin has said Tamim is playing as per the needs of the team, anchoring the innings.
“Tamim has a different role given the way we formed our team. As long as Tamim is there at the wicket, it will be beneficial for us as we have many power hitters going down the order. We need a batsman who will play the long innings, so I am pleased with the way Tamim has been playing,” Salahuddin told the media on the sidelines of Dhaka Platoon’s practice sessions at Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka Tuesday.
“He [Tamim] definitely has a different role when he plays for the national team. The way he is playing for this team [Platoon], I think that is just accurate. No one has been given the anchor role, but it is very necessary to remain in the wicket. The ability he has, he would cover it up [the ball-run gap] and he is doing it. That is why I am happy about him,” the Platoon head coach added.
Pakistani batsman Ahmed Shehzad said he is happy to be back in Bangladesh to play for Dhaka Platoon in the Bangabandhu @BCBtigers Premier League Twenty20https://t.co/H0cnyxKmY2#BCBTIGERS #BCB #TIGERS #BANGLADESHCRICKET #BANGLADESH #CRICKET #AHMEDSHEHZAD #AHMED #SHEHZAD #BBPLT20
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With six wins in nine games, Platoon are strong contenders to seal a place in the final four of the tournament.
Rajshahi Royals and Chattogram Chanllengers have already confirmed their berths in the play-offs, while Dhaka, Cumilla Warriors and Khulna Tigers are in a race to grab the two remaining spots.
The team from the capital need to win one game from the remaining three to confirm their place, but finishing in the top-two would give them a safety net in the knockout phase.
Platoon will take on Rangpur Rangers Wednesday in the first of their remaining matches.
“I am still not thinking about the top two. Now, it is more important for us to get into the top four. We need two more points to ensure a place in top-four, and then we will see whether we can reach the top-two. The next match is really important for us,” Salahuddin said.
“I don’t know the current situation, but I think Rangpur’s run rate is not very high. Still, I would say anything can happen. We have three matches left, crucial games. We will see what happens next. The next match is really important, as it is difficult to comeback if you lose momentum in a T20 tournament. Every match is crucial and I hope the players keep their confidence. Whether we win or lose, the players need to be confident,” he added.