We have heard stories of cricketers battling on the ground even with injuries. Another gets added to the book of inspiration when Tamim Iqbal batted with just one hand in the first match of the Asia Cup 2018. It was Bangladesh v Sri Lanka in Dubai when the incident happened.
The left-hander got hit on his left wrist early on in the innings. A Suranga Lakmal bouncer got big on Tamim and he got hit on the left hand while attempting a pull shot. He was immediately in pain and had to leave the ground. He got retired hurt and Bangladesh was hurting even more as they were tottering after losing 2 wickets for just 1 run.
The team made some good recovery with the partnership of Mushfiqur Rahim and Mohammad Mithun. The duo added 133 runs for the 3rd wicket and scripted a comeback for Bangladesh. Both got to their fifties but when Mithun got out, in inflicted another slide and the side lost wickets in a heap.
Rahim was fighting alone with the tail-enders amidst the news that Tamim Iqbal had fractured his wrist and that he will not take any further part in the tournament. Rahim brought up his century but kept losing partners at the other end. The score reached 229/9 in the 47th over and Bangladesh was still short of a decent total.
Tamim Iqbal walks out to bat with a fractured wrist
After losing 9 wickets, this should have been all for the team as Tamim wasn’t expected to bat again. But against everyone’s expectations, the opener came out to bat again. He took the guard again and got ready to face the same bowler who was responsible for his injury. It was the last ball of the over and Tamim defended the ball with only his right hand.
He was wearing a plaster and his left glove was cut to accommodate it. Rahim at the other end was pumped up by the heroic act and took his game to another level. He ensured Tamim Iqbal didn’t have to face another delivery in the innings.
The wicketkeeper-batsman took singles off the last balls of the next 2 overs and scored 32 runs off the next 15 balls to take the score to a competitive 261. He got out after scoring 144 runs off 150 balls that included 11 fours and 4 sixes. Tamim’s super-inspiring act made it possible. Even though he won’t play again in Asia Cup 2018, this match will be remembered for a long time.
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