Attack new batter, get set-player off strike: Sakib’s mantra for T20 bowling

Tanzim Hasan Sakib, who made his international debut against India during the Asia Cup (ODIs) in 2023, is ready to tour the country for the three-match T20I series, beginning October 6. The 21-year-old has a mantra for success in the shortest format and he would like to apply that in the upcoming series as well. 

"If there is a set batter in T20 format, then give him a single and get him off the strike. And if there is a new batter, he is the one we will attack. Because in T20, if you attack a set batter, then sometimes runs get leaked,” Tanzim said while talking about his approach in an interview with Cricbuzz. 

Sakib, who is an avid reader, also talked about his mantra while bowling in any form of cricket and against any opposition. 

"A good ball is a good ball for everyone. Doesn't matter if he is the number one batter or a domestic-level cricketer, a good ball is a good ball for any batter. I always try to deliver my best ball," said the man who was part of the squad that won the first-ever U-19 World Cup for Bangladesh in 2020. 

After the U-19 World Cup, Sakib was not immediately elected to the senior team like Shoriful Islam and Towhid Hridoy. But he was not disappointed. 

"I knew that I had to wait for my time, and everyone's life is different. I waited for my opportunity, and I never got impatient. I never thought much about the future and always tried to stay in the present and tried to improve myself,” said the fast bowler, who has so far represented the Tigers in seven ODIs and 13 T20Is since making his debut in September 2023.

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