Tamim takes full responsibility for Bangladesh's batting collapse vs Kiwis

Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal has shouldered the blame for Bangladeshs poor batting in the second innings of the second cricket Test against New Zealand at Christchurch.

Bangladesh needed a good start to capitalise on it but Tamim failed to deliver at the top of the order, allowing New Zealand to win the second match by nine wickets at the Hagley Oval on Monday, reports bdnews24.com.

Tamim attempted a pull shot but was out caught off fast bowler Tim Southee. Bangladesh then folded up for 173, leaving the hosts needing a mere 100-odd runs to complete a 2-0 series sweep.

"I got out in a very poor fashion. I could have waited for a bad ball and stayed at the crease for a long time, built partnerships. Things could then have been different," Tamim said after the match on Monday.

"I am taking full responsibility for this, because I started it." Being the captain, I could've led the team by example with my batting. But the way I got out, I don't think it sends out a good message from the leader."

This had been the case with all his innings throughout the tour. He could not stay at the crease long though despite being in fluent touch.

"I did not struggle in any innings during the whole tour. Whatever I scored, I played very well, had no problems. But I could not put that to good use, only managed a couple of fifties, forties," he said.

"But the team expect much more from me. If I had struggled, it would've been understandable. But I didn't, yet could not do well, it was a crime. I myself am responsible for that."

From the team perspective, Tamim pointed out the lack of dedication in their batting for the repeated failures in the department in each format throughout the tour.

--IANS

sam/dg