|| CF DESK ||

Bangladesh ODI captain Tamim Iqbal was pleased with the young cricketer’s performance in the opener ODI against Zimbabwe. In a video message ahead of tomorrow's second ODI, he emphasized that even small contributions are important for the team.

Bangladesh were in trouble when they lost four batters putting 74 on the board. Then Mahmudullah and Liton Das added a 93-run partnership. Liton also made a much-needed hundred, saved the day for Bangladesh.

"No doubt, at a certain stage of the match, we were in trouble, but this was a perfect platform for the younger members to perform at their expected best. Time and again, we keep discussing how the young guns need to step up,” said Tamim.

"Yesterday was a perfect game to play with additional responsibility and Liton did it brilliantly. However, like how I've often mentioned before, that it's easier to talk about and celebrate the fifties and hundreds but I think it's equally important to give importance to smaller contributions as well and I try to do that myself," he said.

When Mahmudullah had to return to the pavilion, Afif Hossain and Mehidy Hasan Miraz sailed the team to a good position. Afif played an important inning of 45 runs and Miraz, who accompanied him, also scored 26 runs. Tamim was happy to see the young guns taking responsibility.

"Afif's innings was vital for us to reach the score that we did. Likewise, Miraz's innings of 20-odd runs ensured that we didn't have to settle for a below-par 230-240 score, especially given that the two set batsmen -- Liton and Mahmudullah -- got out at important phases of the game," added Tamim.

Tamim confirmed about Liton’s availability in the next match, however, Mustafiz’s participation still remains in doubt as he claimed there is a fifty-fifty possibility.