Published on 09:56 PM, October 07, 2023

World Cup tidbits

Tamim Iqbal in Dharamshala!

Photo: AFP

The last time Bangladesh played in Dharamshala was back in 2016 during the ICC T20 World Cup. In that match against Oman, Tamim Iqbal made history by becoming the first Bangladeshi to score a century in the format. Even though Tamim is not a part of this World Cup campaign but, thanks to the fans, his presence was felt at the picturesque Dharamshala stadium during Bangladesh's match on Saturday. A number of Bangladesh supporters in the gallery were seen holding up a placard written, 'We will never forget you' with Tamim's picture, reminiscing the contributions of the former Bangladesh captain.

Shoriful's World Cup transition

Just three years ago, pacer Shoriful Islam was part of the Bangladesh squad that emerged victorious in the ICC Under-19 World Cup in South Africa. On Saturday, the left-arm pacer made his World Cup debut for the senior side and his two scalps had contributed to his team's six-wicket win in their tournament opener against Afghanistan. Shoriful said that he hopes the senior side will replicate the U-19 team's feat. "If I compare it to the Under-19 World Cup, I think we have started in a similar manner and we are all supporting each other. We want to finish it in the same way and win the World Cup." Shoriful's U-19 teammates Tanzid Hasan and Tawhid Hridoy also made his World Cup debut yesterday but the latter did not get a chance to bat.

Ashraful's new role

Mohammad Ashraful was seen in a different role in Dharamshala. The former Bangladesh captain is working as an expert analyst for a Bangladeshi TV channel in the World Cup. "I think it's a very tough job to be honest, but I am enjoying this role. This is my first time here in Dharamshala and I think Bangladesh played really well today (Saturday)." The youngest Test centurion in the history of cricket praised Mehedi Hasan Miraz's all-round performance, adding that he has emerged as the game changer for Bangladesh.