Tamim passes Man-of-the-Match award to Shakib after historic win in Colombo

Tamim Iqbal has passed on his Man-of-the-Match award to Shakib Al Hasan after Bangladesh’s memorable Test win against Sri Lanka.

The Tigers clinched a four-wicket victory over the islanders to square the two-Test series 1-1 at the P Sara Oval in Colombo on Sunday.

Although the official records will read Tamim’s name as the best player of the match, he gave it up for Shakib. The opener’s humility did not go unnoticed.

Commentator and cricket analyst Russell Arnold, a former Sri Lanka cricketer, confirmed the news of Tamim’s courtesy during the Ten Cricket broadcast after the presentation.

Tamim cracked a fine 82 under pressure in Bangladesh’s 191-run chase on the final day and was adjudged best player for his knock.

But it was Shakib’s all-round performance that kept Bangladesh ahead in a match where the momentum swung like a pendulum towards either team on the final day.

The ace all-rounder cracked his first century against Sri Lanka, 116, in the first innings and grabbed six wickets both innings combined in what was a decisive display for Bangladesh.

Shakib has received Man-of-the-Match awards five times, highest for a Bangladesh cricketer in Tests. Including this one, Tamim has won it thrice to equal Mushfiqur Rahim and Mohammad Ashraful.