All eyes were on Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium Sunday as the southpaw returned to action with the bat after a 46-day break.
Tamim's last appearance at the crease was on July 5, during the first One Day International against visitors Afghanistan in Chittagong.
Former Bangladesh ODI captain Tamim was sidelined due to a lower-back injury.
He initiated the recovery process earlier this month and, as part of his rehabilitation, took to the nets at the BCB Academy Ground for a supervised 15-minute session.
Overseeing his progress were Kieron Thomas, the newly appointed chief rehabilitation center physio of the Bangladesh Cricket Board, and national team physio Bayezid Islam Khan.
During the session, Tamim started by facing slow deliveries and gradually increased the intensity.
By the session's conclusion, the opening batsman was observed confidently striking the ball, both advancing down the track and on the back foot.
Tamim had been on a hiatus for a month and a half after reversing his decision to retire from international cricket following a meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last month.
The left-hander subsequently sought treatment for his lower lumbar injury in London and returned to Dhaka on July 31.
As part of his rehabilitation process, Tamim began regular gym sessions and focused on enhancing his fitness starting from August 9.
Notably, he will be absent from the upcoming Asia Cup 2023, set to commence later this month.
However, the southpaw is anticipated to make a triumphant return to the field during the three-game ODI home series against New Zealand.
These matches are scheduled just ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, slated to be held in India in October and November.
Speaking to the media, Habibul Bashar, a member of the national selection panel, emphasized the significance of having a fit Tamim for the upcoming World Cup.
Bashar expressed optimism regarding Tamim's recovery, especially in anticipation of the ODI series against New Zealand.
"We are in desperate need of Tamim in the World Cup. His performance and experience will be invaluable to us. Considering the dedication he is putting into his recovery, I am confident he will be back in time," remarked the ex-Bangladesh skipper to the press.
"Time is still on our side. I believe he will be fully prepared by the commencement of the New Zealand series. Minor hiccups may arise along the way, and he is well aware of that. A fit Tamim is indispensable for our World Cup campaign," added the former middle-order batter.