Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal is of the opinion that the Tigers should focus on winning the first two matches of Asia Cup and qualify for the second round. Bangladesh will kick off their campaign against Sri Lanka and finish off their group stage against Afghanistan.

In order to reach the second round, Bangladesh will need to ensure winning both the games so that their fate stays in their own hand. As a result, the dashing left-handed batsman believes that focusing on winning these two games is important and it would be unwise to think about reaching the final or winning the tournament from now itself.

‘The first two matches are very important for us. We have to qualify for the second round. We are preparing for that. It won’t be wise to think about reaching the final or winning the tournament.

‘We have to win the first two games to reach the second round [so] we have to plan with the first two opposing teams in mind.’

One of the biggest concerns surrounding the Tigers is the opening partner of Tamim Iqbal. Since the drop in form of Soumya Sarkar, Bangladesh have tried the likes of Anamul Haque and Mohammad Mithun with Tamim Iqbal but both of them failed to live up.

As a result, the conundrum is yet to be resolved but Tamim Iqbal believes that it is not disappointing as he knows how hard everyone in the team works. He also called for the management to give ample time to the players they have enlisted as his potential opening partner for the World Cup.

‘Not disappointing. Maybe their performances are not consistent but from what I know after staying with the team is that everyone tries a lot to improve themselves. They are trying and while they might not be getting the expected results, I have no doubt about anyone’s ability.

‘Whoever has partnered me at opening is deserving of it [and could] give 10 years of service to Bangladesh at least. I believe that they need 1-2 good matches, a good innings will make them stable.