ZIM vs BAN: Tamim Iqbal becomes first Bangladeshi cricketer to cross 8,000 ODI runs

Tamim Iqbal leading the way for Bangladesh in ODIs

Bangladesh skipper Tamim Iqbal became the country's first player to go past the 8,000-run barrier in One-Day International (ODI) cricket.

Iqbal reached this tally during Bangladesh's ongoing first ODI against Zimbabwe in Harare, where he registered his 54th ODI fifty as well.

The 33-year-old is the nation's leading ODI run-getter ahead of Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Mahmudullah.

The prolific opener made his ODI debut in 2007 against the same opponent in the same stadium and has notched up 14 tons and 54 half-centuries from 229 matches, with a top score of 158.

Iqbal was out on 62 trying to pull Sikandar Raza after adding 119 runs with opener Litton Das. 

Tamim Iqbal's career so far

Iqbal has featured in 69 Tests amassing 5,082 runs at an average of 39.09 with 10 tons and 31 fifties. He is the second highest run-scorer for his country in Tests, behind Rahim (5,235) and ahead of Shakib (4,251).

In 78 T20Is, the left-handed batter has scored 1,758 runs, which includes a hundred and seven 50+ scores.  He is the third highest run-scorer for his country in the format, behind Mahmudullah (2,070) and Shakib (2,010).

Iqbal recently spoke about how he put emphasis on playing 50-overs cricket over the much-loved 20-overs format and is looking forward to playing the 2023 ICC World Cup in India.

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