I wanted to do something for the nation, says brave Tamim Iqbal after batting with one hand

The Asia Cup opener between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh witnessed the Tigers putting their best foot forward to beat their opponents. But there was something more to their victory on the night. Their experienced batsman Tamim Iqbal was ruled out of the tournament due to the fractured wrist during the batting innings itself. But the way he came out to bat at number 11 and helped the team’s total to propel from 229/9 to 261 won the hearts of the fans.

Tamim’s Asia Cup campaign ended before it even began after he was hit on the wrist by Suranga Lakmal in the second over of the innings. He was grimacing in pain and had to leave the field in discomfort only to know later that his wrist was fractured and it will take close to six weeks to heal. However, the left-handed batsman wasn’t done yet and hoped to contribute to the team somehow in the game by going to bat in the 47th over.

Speaking about his decision to bat, the 29-year-old put forth his disappointment at that stage about not being able to take further part in the competition. Though he also went on to say that he was keen to make it count if need be.

“I have been extremely downcast since last night. Yesterday, after what happened, I had the realisation that I won’t play a part in this Asia Cup. So, I did however much was possible for me to do. I thought that if I was destined to play just one more ball in the Asia Cup, I thought ‘why not that ball?’ After that there was an important partnership because of that one ball, those are important issues, but at the end of the day I am very heartbroken,” he was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

“For the 15-20 seconds, my mindset was on another level. It was killing me that probably it would be the last ball I will face in this Asia Cup. That was a very emotional thing and I very much wanted to do something for the nation,” he added.

I am heartbroken

Tamim Iqbal was in superb form coming into the Asia Cup and was determined to play well for his team. But his dream lasted for only four deliveries and he has been left heartbroken. Even while interacting with the media, he was dejected with the fact that he won’t be able to play the remainder of the tournament.

“I don’t think I have been this disappointed, this heartbroken in 10 years of my international career. I had very high hopes when coming to the Asia Cup. But unfortunately, leaving the scene because of injury is very unfortunate,” Tamim further said.

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