Tamim Iqbal, Bangladesh skipper said that he will be playing the first match of the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan that will begin on July 5 at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram. Iqbal's fitness has been a major concern for the Bangla Tigers as he missed out on playing the one-off Test last month due to back issues.
During the training session also, the opener batter looked uncomfortable and was struggling with his back especially while taking part in the fielding and batting sessions. Tamim batted in the nets for about 20 minutes at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium on Monday, June 03 but was absent in today’s session.
"I'm definitely available for tomorrow. Physically, I am in a better state than before but I won't say I am at hundred percent. After the game tomorrow, I will be able to understand what's the situation but till now, [the decision is] I am playing tomorrow," Tamim was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.
"I think that's more of an idea because I need to see how much I am able to cope and how much I can't. But I won't do something through which the team suffers. I always say that the team comes before any individual. Right now, I feel that I am ready for tomorrow, but during the game, if I feel that I am not ready and it can be too risky then I, along with the medical department, will take a decision,” he added.
As per the reports, Litton Das will be leading the side if at all Tamim misses out on the first game. The 28-year-old has earlier led Bangladesh to a 2-1 series victory against India at home back in December 2022. The rest of the two ODIs will be held at the same ground on July 8 and July 11, respectively. Post that, both teams will be facing each other in a two-match T20I series beginning on Friday, July 14, at the Sylhet District Stadium, in Sylhet.