T20 World Cup 2024: Tanzim Sakib shines against South Africa amid selection dilemma

Before the start of the T20 World Cup 2024, the spot of Bangladesh’s Tanzim Sakib in the squad for the tournament was a topic of major discussion after he was chosen ahead of Mohammad Saifuddin. After the selection call was made, the BCB (Bangladesh Cricket Board) had to endure scrutiny from the fans. 

Fans came forward and questioned Sakib’s selection over Saifuddin, as it seemed like Saifuddin was in better form than Sakib and even performed better in the recent edition of the Bangladesh Premier League.

However, the selectors thought that Sakib could be a more aggressive pick in the squad and was picked as the fourth seemer that had the pace trio of Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, and Shoriful Islam.

Sakib repaid the faith put in him by the board after his performance in the recent T20 World Cup clash against South Africa. As Bangladesh took on the Proteas, Tanzim Sakib was the highest wicket-taker for his side, taking three wickets and conceding 18 runs in four overs. 

Despite Bangladesh limiting South Africa to a score of 113 runs, the side failed to chase down the target and ultimately lost the game. However, Bangladesh’s Towhid Hridoy came forward to back Sakib’s selection, talking about how capable he is as a bowler. 

"We all know Sakib is very much capable and so we trust him and in the last couple of months and couple of matches he bowled really well, he has a very clear mind and today also he bowled really well and he changed the match and yeah that was a good decision for us (to trust Saakib),” Hridoy was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz. 

I am ready to perform anywhere: Tanzim Sakib

Furthermore, Tanzim Sakib also came forward to talk about his performance against South Africa. The pacer suggested that he was not trying to prove any point about his selection and that it was his job to perform for the national team. 

"No there was nothing like that (trying to justify my selection) as my job is to perform and whenever the selectors give me I will perform there and I don't think about any level because I am ready to perform anywhere,” Sakib said.