Back-to-back hundreds take Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal to new heights

Bangladesh batsman Tamim Iqbal has reached new heights after smashing a second straight century against Pakistan in the second ODI in Mirpur.

Tamim’s majestic run-a-ball 116 (not out) fuelled the Tigers’ chase as the hosts demolished Pakistan’s bowling attack and cruised to an easy seven-wicket win at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

The win also saw Bangladesh register their first-ever series win against their sub-continent rivals in all forms of the game.

The opener, who scored 132 in the first ODI two days ago, became the third Bangladeshi batsman to hit successive tons following Shahriar Nafees and Mahmudullah.

He is now level with Shakib Al Hasan on the number of ODI centuries - highest for Bangladesh.

The 26-year-old opener was in a murderous mood from the start of the modest chase of 240. He blasted his fifty off just 31 balls with 12 boundaries.

Man-of-the-Match Tamim took the foot off the gas scoring his next off 77 balls on way to his sixth ODI century off 108 balls. 

His innings contained 17 spectacular boundaries and a six.

“I played my shots today and am simply enjoying my game,” he said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

Tamim’s century in the previous match came after two years. He scored the one before that against Sri Lanka in Hamabantota in March 2013.

He came under harsh criticism for not being among runs for such a long time.

The critics were still at it even after his crucial knock of 95 against Scotland in the pool phase of the World Cup.

Tamim’s celebration after scoring the century in the first match showed he had been willing to reply to criticism with the bat. 

He did no harm to his profile by punishing the Pakistan bowling on Sunday. “I was not in my best form before the series. But now things are okay. I was under pressure in the first match. (But) now I am very happy.”