Jubayer Tanin, from Abu Dhabi
For some time, Parvez Hossain Emon and Tanzid Hasan Tamim have been seen as the new generation’s answer to Bangladesh’s long-standing opening problems. Both are almost regulars in the national set-up, both have the flair to attack in the powerplay, and both were tipped as the future of Bangladesh’s top order. Yet their greatest challenge remains the same: consistency.
Flashes of promise, but no stability
Tanzid already has the experience of playing in an ODI World Cup, a T20 World Cup and a Champions Trophy, and is now a regular opener in both white-ball formats. Still, his batting average hovers around 20–25. Emon, meanwhile, continues to feature frequently in T20 internationals, but neither has managed to become the reliable presence Bangladesh desperately need.
The pattern has become predictable, one match of fireworks followed by several failures. In the Asia Cup clash against Sri Lanka on 13 September, both fell cheaply again, exposing the team’s fragile top order. Analysts warn that quick starts alone are not enough; to cement their places in international cricket, the pair must learn to convert 30s into fifties and beyond.
The numbers behind the struggles
The statistics underline the problem. In his last 10 T20 matches, Tanzid has two half-centuries, only one other innings beyond 30, and four single-digit dismissals. Emon’s figures are no better: two half-centuries, three ducks, and just one other score above 30. Despite regular chances, both continue to squander opportunities.
As an opening partnership, their record is equally underwhelming. In 13 innings this year, they have put together just 334 runs, with a third of those coming in a single match against Pakistan in Lahore on 1 June. Apart from that, their highest stand has been 46, and they have failed to put on a fifty-run partnership in their last 12 innings.
Even in the Asia Cup opener against Hong Kong, they managed only 24 together before falling inside the powerplay. Against Sri Lanka, their struggles deepened: the first two overs yielded no runs, Tanzid was bowled by Nuwan Thushara attempting a cross-batted shot after five consecutive dots, and in the very next over Emon edged a catch to Kusal Mendis off Dushmantha Chameera. Both returned without scoring.
Pressure on ahead of Afghanistan clash
Bangladesh’s second defeat to Sri Lanka has left their Asia Cup campaign hanging by a thread. To keep their hopes of reaching the Super Four alive, Litton Das and his men must beat Afghanistan on 16 September and then hope Sri Lanka also overcome the Afghans.
But before looking elsewhere, Bangladesh must first fix their own problems. At the heart of that lies the opening pair. Unless Tanzid and Emon find a way to deliver consistent runs, the team’s ambitions in major tournaments will continue to be undermined.
