Ahead of the T20 World Cup, Tanzim Sakib’s selection in the squad sparked discussions, particularly since he was chosen over Mohammad Saifuddin.
Critics pointed out that Saifuddin appeared in better form and had taken more wickets than Tanzim in the last edition of the Bangladesh Premier League.
However, the selection panel defended their decision, emphasizing Tanzim’s aggressiveness as the reason for picking him as the fourth seam bowler, alongside Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, and Shoriful Islam.
Tanzim’s opportunity arose due to Shoriful Islam’s injury during a warm-up game against India.
Tanzim performed commendably against Sri Lanka (1-24) in Bangladesh’s opening match and seemed determined to capitalize on his chance against South Africa to justify the faith placed in him by the team management and selectors.
Tanzim disrupted the South African top-order by maintaining precise line and length, taking three crucial wickets inside the Power Play, and finishing with career-best figures of 3-18.
Towhid Hridoy endorsed Tanzim’s selection, highlighting his clear mindset when bowling.
“We all know Sakib is very capable, and we trust him.
In the last couple of months and matches, he has bowled really well,” Hridoy said.
“He has a very clear mind and today he changed the match.
It was a good decision to trust Sakib.”
Tanzim demonstrated his clarity by adjusting his line after being hit for a four and six by De Kock in the first over.
The adjustment paid off as he dismissed Reeza Hendricks with the last ball of the over and subsequently removed De Kock and Tristan Stubbs, delivering a magical first spell that left South Africa reeling at 25-4 by the end of the Power Play, especially after Taskin Ahmed removed Markram.
Tanzim asserted that he wasn’t trying to prove a point about his selection, instead focusing on performing whenever given the opportunity.
“No, there was nothing like that.
My job is to perform, and whenever the selectors give me a chance, I will perform.
I don’t think about any level because I am ready to perform anywhere,” Tanzim said after the game.
“He (De Kock) scored 10 runs in my first over, hitting me for an unexpected six.
There was a hunger to get him out, and Shanto bhai encouraged me to go for the wicket and not bowl defensively,” he added.
Tanzim explained that he benefited from a changed mindset that eliminated half-hearted bowling efforts, focusing instead on his strengths and sticking to basics, especially on pace-friendly wickets.
“In the team meeting, we discussed sticking to our strengths and basics, like bowling in good areas and letting the ball do the work,” the 21-year-old pacer said.
“I have decided to give my best in every single ball in this World Cup and not take any delivery lightly.
I am determined that if I bowl 24 deliveries, all 24 should be my best.
I just made this change in my mentality and won’t bowl anything half-heartedly,” he concluded.
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