Tamim becomes first Bangladeshi to reach 8000 ODI runs

Tamim Iqbal became the first Bangladesh batter to reach 8000 runs in ODIs, and overall the ninth opener to breach the landmark. He reached the milestone during Bangladesh's first ODI against Zimbabwe when he moved to 57 with a late cut wide of short third man off Sikandar Raza in the 24th over.

Tamim, who notched up his 54th ODI fifty, is on a hot streak both as captain and opening batter. He was named Player-of-the-Series against West Indies last month, leading his side to a 3-0 sweep of the ODI series. He was the leading run-scorer in the three ODIs scoring 117 runs at an average of 58.50.

Tamim has led Bangladesh to six out of seven ODI series wins since he started his permanent captaincy reign in January 2021.

Having started his career in 2007, Tamim is inarguably Bangladesh's greatest opener across formats. He is the second highest run-getter in Tests behind Mushfiqur Rahim, who narrowly beat Tamim to become the first Bangladesh batter to reach 5000 runs in the longest format of the game. Tamim, however, is the first to 5000, 6000, 7000 and 8000 ODI runs for Bangladesh.

The last 1000 runs took Tamim only 23 innings - two years, due to the lack of ODIs in Bangladesh's schedule of late - and included two centuries. He also became the ninth opener in the world to reach the mark to join the elite list of ODI openers with at least 8000 runs. Sachin Tendulkar tops the list of highest run-getters among openers in ODIs. Tamim joins the list headed by Tendulkar, Sanath Jayasuriya, Chris Gayle, Adam Gilchrist, Sourav Ganguly, Desmond Haynes, Saeed Anwar and Hashim Amla. Interestingly, out of the nine openers who have made 8,000 runs, six of them are left-handers, Tamim being the latest one.

Tamim gave Bangladesh an excellent start in the first ODI against Zimbabwe stitching 119 runs for the opening wicket alongside Litton Das. He fell to Raza for 62.

Young players’ opportunity to make statement: Tamim says 

Bangladesh ODI skipper Tamim Iqbal in pre-match briefing urged the young players in the squad to capitalise on the chances when they take on hosts Zimbabwe in the three-match ODI series.

"There are one or two spots in the squad which have not been cemented yet. So, considering that, there is an opportunity for every young player to make their statement and get into the eleven," Tamim, who has always been focusing on the next year's World Cup in India ever since he assumed the leadership role.

Bangladesh head into the series on the back of ODI series triumphs over South Africa and the West Indies, and the Tigers are undoubtedly favourites in the 50-over format against an inexperienced Zimbabwe side.

Regis Chakabva has been named Zimbabwe captain for the ODI series as regular skipper Craig Ervine was rested to help him recover from his recent niggles.

All-rounder Sean Williams will also not take part in the series as he has been given time off to attend personal matters. Takudzwanashe Kaitano and Tarisai Musakanda have replaced the two veterans in the 15-member squad.

The rest of the squad comprises players who featured in Zimbabwe's 2-1 T20I series victory over the Tigers.

But Tamim was not ready to take his opponents lightly in this series.

"Considering the strengths of the two squads, we are definitely ahead of them. But in cricket, whichever team plays better on the day, wins. Zimbabwe won the T20I series simply because they played better cricket than us.

"It's the same when it comes to the ODI series. We obviously want to beat them but for that we would have to bring our A-game. In their conditions, Zimbabwe are a dangerous team," Tamim cautioned. "We would need to follow the process so that we can come out as winners even from difficult situations."