Bangladesh ODI women’s team captain Rumana Ahmed received a special gift from Tigers opening batsman Tamim Iqbal prior to the women’s side's South Africa tour where they will play five ODIs and three T20Is.
A problem arose a few days ago when both of Rumana’s bats were stolen. Rumana had brought those bats and cricket gears from Australia after her Brisbane Heat stint at the Big Bash League this season. As the South Africa tour is knocking at the door, the women’s ODI team skipper was in a dilemma over how to manage a good bat ahead of the series.
As a consequence, Rumana had tried to manage a bat, possibly from the male cricketers, who usually have better sponsors and cricket gears. Rumana eventually managed to get hold of Tamim, who was at the BCB headquarters Thursday afternoon. Rumana asked if Tamim had any bat to sell.
After coming to know about the issue, Tamim arranged a personal bat form his kit bag which was at the indoor practice facilities. Later, Tamim asked her to meet him at the BCB office. Upon meeting her, Tamim gave his bat to Rumana and the women's ODI team captain seemed happy after solving her problem. When Rumana asked how much she has to pay for the bat, a smiling Tamim replied humbly, "You don’t need to pay for it. Keep it and good luck for the South Africa tour.”
Tamim even told Rumana that he will try to arrange sponsors for the national women's team's kits and gears after the South Africa tour. Tamim informed that he had kept the bat reserved for the upcoming West Indies tour. The bat is lighter than the other bats and Tamim hoped it would help Rumana to score runs in the South Africa tour.
“My two bats were stolen before the national camp started. So I faced difficulties. After hearing about it, Tamim bhai gave a bat to me. I am really happy that our brothers are also supporting us,” said Rumana to Dhaka Tribune after receiving the bat from Tamim.
“We are hopeful of playing good cricket in South Africa. Obviously it will be a very tough tour for us as away tour is always difficult for every team. But our bowling department has improved recently and compared to the last series we have two new batters in our side. So we will try to play with positive mindset there,” she added.
The Bangladesh women’s team will depart for South Africa Saturday.
