Bangladesh began their Asia Cup 2025 journey with a victory, triumphing over Hong Kong by seven wickets in the tournament’s third match. Beyond captain Litton Das, a fast bowler played a pivotal role in securing the win for Bangladesh. This bowler not only dismissed a star batsman but also provided a significant breakthrough for the team. The comeback story of this right-arm fast bowler is truly inspiring. After being excluded from the team, he chose not to return home, using Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli as his role models to fuel his comeback. This led to his crucial contribution to the team’s first victory in the Asia Cup.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib’s Bowling Masterclass
Against Hong Kong, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, the Bangladeshi fast bowler, showcased his skills by taking two wickets for just 21 runs in four overs, including one maiden. He notably dismissed Babar Hayat, Hong Kong’s star batsman, who was bowled for 14 runs. The narrative behind this fast bowler’s comeback is captivating.
In an interview, he recounted that he was once dropped from the Bangladesh Under-19 team. Instead of returning home, Tanzim focused on rigorous training for four months, driven to improve.
Four Months of Dedication
He shared, “I made a commitment to myself that I wouldn’t return home until I earned my selection again.” Tanzim remained away from home for nearly four months. The 22-year-old player described how he drew inspiration from cricketing legends such as Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, and Mushfiqur Rahim.
He stated, “Look at Sachin Tendulkar; he refrained from his favorite foods until the end of his career, and Virat Kohli adopted a similar approach. Mushfiqur Rahim also worked very hard. These are the qualities that make them great.” Tanzim credits these role models for motivating him to work hard. He has now become a prominent fast bowler for Bangladesh.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib’s International Cricket Achievements
Since his international cricket debut in 2023, Tanzim Hasan Sakib has consistently troubled batsmen with his precise bowling. He has played 31 T20I matches for Bangladesh, taking 38 wickets. He also boasts 19 wickets in 13 ODI matches. His Test match record includes one appearance, where he secured a wicket.