Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal reckons his country is trying to make up for lost time as they attempt to make their mark in T20 cricket.

Tamim and his team-mates have only recently started to gain greater exposure to the 20-over game and the left-hander feels that is counting against them when they play the leading nations.

The 59-run defeat to New Zealand on Friday (21 September) highlighted the Bangladeshi shortcomings and now they face the daunting prospect of beating Pakistan in Pallekele on Tuesday (25 September) to give themselves a chance of remaining in the tournament.   

“We realise that we were below-par in all departments (against New Zealand) and that’s why we lost,” said Tamim. “I think in Twenty20 cricket Bangladesh are a developing team. We do not have that much experience in this version and therefore at times there will be bad results.

“But now we have started playing T20s more regularly and you will see a definite improvement in a year or two. Hopefully, there will be positive performance in the next match against Pakistan because everyone is making a conscious effort to lift the game.”

Tamim concedes Bangladesh will need to play out of their skins to cause a surprise against Pakistan, who won their opening match against New Zealand on Sunday.  

“Yes, they are world-class in all sectors and they have Twenty20 pedigree in abundance,” said Tamim. “However, no team is unbeatable in this format. We have to be at our best and hope that best is good enough on the day.”

Pakistan’s star bowler Saeed Ajaml showed he was in prime form with 4-30 in his team’s opening ICC WT20 game. The off-spinner will undoubtedly pose a significant challenge for his next opponents.

“For a batsman he provides a fascinating challenge and I am really looking forward to facing him,” Tamim concluded.