Our failure in South Africa Tests overshadowed our success in the ODI series: Tamim Iqbal

23 March 2022 will be etched in the memory of every Bangladesh cricket fan as on this date, the Tigers registered their first-ever ODI series victory on South African soil against the hosts. 

However, the visitors had a bitter pill to swallow in the subsequent Test series, as they were thrashed by the Proteas by 220 and 332 runs, respectively, in the two Tests at Durban and Port Elizabeth. 

Bangladesh's ODI captain Tamim Iqbal feels that the team's crushing defeat in the Test series overshadowed their epic win in the ODIs. Addressing ESPN Cricinfo, Tamim said that it was a massive achievement for Bangladesh to win the ODI series in South Africa. Still, people forgot it quickly because of the team's poor outing in the Tests. 

He also mentioned that the likes of Mehidy Hasan, Yasir Ali, Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam are incredibly talented individuals and opined that nothing can stop Bangladesh from becoming a great ODI side if these players regularly contribute as per their potential. 

"I think winning an ODI series in South Africa's backyard was big for us. It is one of our best achievements till now, but in my heart, I also feel sad. We, as a nation, celebrate small things. Because of how the Test series went, this ODI series achievement faded away," Tamim said. 

"I feel bad for the likes of Miraz, Yasir, Taskin and Shoriful. They made huge contributions in the ODI series. It should have been celebrated a lot more. We have known all through that they have huge potential. Taskin, Shoriful and Litton are regularly contributing. Yasir played a fantastic knock in the first ODI. If they keep doing it, we will become a very, very good ODI team," he further added. 

Despite going through a torrid phase in tests, Bangladesh have shown the signs of a very competitive ODI team in recent times. Revealing the secret of their success in ODIs, Tamim emphasised on getting good starts to the series, something that helped them immensely against South Africa as well. 

He also credited the bowlers for their impressive returns, which played a huge hand in their emphatic victory in the three-match series.

"If we start a series well, whether batting or bowling, it automatically sets the tone for us. This has always been the case with Bangladesh. The 95-run stand gave us a lot of confidence," the veteran opener said. 

"We put up a good score in the first game. Shakib played a very good inning. Yasir played well. Litton and I did something. But our bowling was the main game-changer. In the third game, it was again the bowlers who kept them tied up at 150-odd (154)," he added. 

The southpaw also heaped praises on the young Mehidy Hasan by terming him as one of their best ODI players at present. He applauded the allrounder's enthusiasm and energy on the field. 

"I think Miraz is one of our best ODI players. He is very under-rated as a cricketer," Tamim said. "I think he is the third- or fourth-ranked [eighth] bowler in the world. Not only his performance but [also] the energy he brings to the field [with] the never-say-die attitude that he has," the 33-year-old concluded. 

It will be fascinating to see how Bangladesh bounce back from their defeat against the Proteas as they face Sri Lanka at home in their upcoming series.