Tamim Iqbal’s top 3 performances in Test Cricket

Tamim Iqbal has arguably been the most prolific batter for Bangladesh in the modern generation. His consistency at the top of the order makes him one of the most hailed players in the history of Bangladesh cricket. Tamim has an impressive record in Test cricket and the left-hander has performed not just in home conditions but overseas too. The 35-year-old has played some mind-boggling innings in Test cricket that testify to his class as a Test batter. Let us take a look at some of Tamim’s extraordinary batting performances in Test cricket. 

1. 206 vs Pakistan, 2015

This is the only double century that Tamim Iqbal has scored in his Test career. Bangladesh hosted Pakistan in 2015 for a 2-match Test series. The first match of the series ended in a draw and it was Tamim Iqbal who played a crucial role in getting that result for his team. In the first innings, the left-hander failed and Bangladesh ended up with 332 runs on the board. In reply, Pakistan scored a massive 628 runs to take a huge lead. Bangladesh needed to put up an emphatic batting performance to stay in the game. Tamim Iqbal rose to the occasion and smashed 206 runs to lead Bangladesh 555/6 in the second innings which pushed the match to a stalemate. 

2. 151 vs India, 2010

Here is another century in home conditions against an Asian rival. This is one of the best knocks in Tamim’s Test career and he delivered this batting display in the very early phase of his career. With this century, the opener established himself in the Test team. At the end of the first innings, Bangladesh were trailing by more than 300 runs. The match was already heavily tilted in India’s favour but Tamim showed grit and scored 151 runs. Courtesy of this knock Bangladesh avoided a loss by an innings. 

3. 126 vs New Zealand, 2019

This is certainly the best batting performance from Tamim Iqbal in away conditions in the longest format. In the series opener of the 2019 Test series between Bangladesh and New Zealand, the left-handed opener played an explosive knock to give his team a formidable start against a dominant Kiwi bowling attack. Winning the toss, New Zealand invited Bangladesh to bat first in challenging conditions. Tamim accepted that invitation and scored 126 off just 128 balls. It was his innings that propelled Bangladesh to 234 runs in the first innings.