Tamim Iqbal refers to Bangladesh's win over South Africa as their 'biggest achievement'

Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal has said that their ODI series win against South Africa on Wednesday was one of the 'biggest' of his 15-year international career.

Notably, Bangladesh registered a convincing win over South Africa and with this, they have won the series as well. He also stated that the victory was memorable for himself and three other veterans -– Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah. 

"This is massive," he said at the post-match presentation after scoring an unbeaten 87 to seal a nine-wicket win in the series-deciding third match at SuperSport Park in Centurion.

While Mushfiqur Rahim made his debut in 2005, the other three also made their international debuts in 2007.

"This is probably one of the biggest achievements in my career. We have got four seniors who have been playing for 15 years. I rate this series at the top."

However, Wednesday's comprehensive win came on the back of the fast bowler Taskin Ahmed, who ended up with figures of 5/35 as South Africa were bundled out for just 154, their lowest total against Bangladesh. And, Taskin was named the 'Player of the Match' and the 'Player of the Series' for his stunning show. 

Also, Taskin became the first bowler to pick a five-fer against South Africa in South Africa in any international or ODIs.

"I'm a very proud man, especially a Bangladeshi fast bowler getting a five-fer, getting a man of the series and winning the series. Everybody thinks about (Bangladesh) spin but the fast bowling department has been brilliant for the last two years," the Bangladesh skipper said. 

Earlier, Bangladesh had lost all 19 matches across all formats against South Africa in South Africa before registering a convincing win in the series opener by 38 runs at the same venue on Friday. Meanwhile, South Africa equalled the series by winning the second match by seven wickets in Johannesburg, but Bangladesh sealed the deal on Wednesday's series decider.

Tamim has also said that the win would give Bangladesh team the much-needed confidence that they could win the series overseas as well.

"We take a lot of pride in ODI cricket. We believe we are a very good side. There is no team in the world that we haven't beaten. This is one format where we are very comfortable, and we have been doing well the last five, six years. The missing part was winning overseas," Tamim concluded. 

Next, South Africa and Bangladesh will take on each other in a two-Test series. The first of the two games will be hosted in Durban on March 31.