Tamim off to 'dream start'

Dashing Bangladesh left-handed batsman Tamim Iqbal could not have asked for a better return to domestic first-class cricket -- a format he has been absent from for the last five years as the Chittagong skipper scored a stellar 176 not out against Dhaka Metro at the Shaheed Chandu Stadium in Bogra yesterday.
The fiery innings on a flat track, his personal best in first-class cricket, witnessed 20 boundaries and helped Chittagong post a sizeable total on the first day.
"I have been waiting to play this kind of an innings for a long time. I haven't played such a satisfying innings since my century (103) in Lord's two years ago. Most of all, I'm happy that I could bat through the entire day and remain not out," said Tamim after the day's play.
Tamim, who was ably supported by youngster Mominul Haque's 120, further stated that he wanted to make the most of the NCL matches before the beginning of the series against the West Indies.
“The wicket was fantastic for batting, which helped me to play my natural game. I had a target before the tournament to fully utilise the two NCL rounds before the West Indies series, so this is a dream start,” added a satisfied Tamim.
While there wasn't much of an audience to witness the innings, the centurions however received praise from national selector Minhajul Abedin. "Both Mominul and Tamim showed real temperament for the longer version of the game. They played brilliantly," said Abedin.