The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal is quite optimistic about having a very good test match ahead if the pair of Mohammad Ashraful and Shakib Al Hasan could bat through the first session of the 5th day of the 1st Test against Sri Lanka on Wednesday.

"We didn't lose wickets in the later stages of the day (Tuesday) and it's a positive sign. If this pair can bat through the first session, I think there will be a very good test match ahead," he said at a post- match press conference at the Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium (SBNS) here Tuesday.

About his own departure after getting a start, the southpaw from Chittagong said: "To be honest, I was a bit tense today and also feeling the pressure of nerve. Because, in the last few innings, I got out after scoring 20-30 runs.

"And when I reached such range of scores, I started to feel pressure. So, I wanted to complete my fifty in a hurry today. I might not play such a shot if I were not in this kind of situation."

Chasing a huge target of 521, Tamim became the 2nd Bangladesh batsman to fall for 47 off 53 balls that included eight scorching fours before being caught behind off the bowling of pacer Dammika Prasad leaving the team total at 72.

About their tendency to play too many shots, the 19-year old said: "This is much better to do against their bowling attacks. Muralitharan is a world class bowler, the more you will defend him, the chance of his getting wickets will increase further.

"I think it is better to attack him (Muralitharan) that Ashraful Bhai did. As far as I have seen, Ashraful Bhai does play Murali better. So, I think our approach was right."

About the run out of opener Imrul Kayes just two balls before lunch, Tamim admitted that he felt more guilt than Imrul, saying it was a "silly run under the circumstances."

He also termed the wicket of Mirpur as one of the best in the country, saying "the number of international matches I played in Bangladesh, I think this is the best wicket. It is better for both batting and bowling… it seems to me that the wicket is getting much better as the day progresses."

Tamim told a questioner that they had no specific plan while facing Muralitharan. "Bowlers bowled according to their plan and we batted according to our plan," he said.