Bangladesh’s 21-year-old pacer Tanzim Hasan Sakib made headlines by picking up the wicket of India’s star opener Rohit Sharma in his ODI debut during the Asia Cup 2023.
The youngster also sent Tilak Varma back to the pavilion, ending the match with impressive figures of 2/32 in 7.5 overs. His performance helped Bangladesh clinch a memorable close six-run victory.
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What did Tanzim Sakib say about Rohit's dismissal?
Reflecting on his debut game, Sakib revealed that some doubted his readiness to bowl against a world-class player like Rohit Sharma. However, he remained focused on his strengths.
“It was my debut match and Rohit Sharma was the opponent or there was Team India. Actually, to be honest, I didn't think of that for once. I was told that I am new I won't be ready for Rohit Sharma. But I was sure that I will play with my strength," Sakib was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.
The Sylhet-born pacer emphasized that regardless of the opponent’s reputation, delivering a good ball in the right areas was crucial for him.
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"If I can bowl at the right places and can make the new ball swing it will put any batter in trouble. I thought about what strength I have and tried to utilize that in the field, I didn't think about who the opponent was,” he said.
“I keep one thing in mind that a good ball is a good ball for everyone. Doesn't matter if he is the number one batter or a domestic-level cricketer, a good ball is a good ball for any batter. I always try to deliver my best ball,” he added.
Will Sakib play a key role in the upcoming series?
With a strong start to his international career, Tanzim Sakib will be eager to replicate his performance against India in the upcoming three-match T20I series starting on October 6.
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The young pacer has already shown his potential by picking up crucial wickets of top players like Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav during the T20 World Cup 2024.
As Bangladesh prepares to face India, all eyes will be on Sakib to see if he can continue to trouble India’s top order and make a bigger mark on the international stage
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