Twitter Reactions: Tamim Iqbal leads Bangladesh's fightback against Sri Lanka

Bangladesh staged a remarkable fightback on Day 3 of the first Test match against Sri Lanka in Chattogram on what seems to be a perfect batting track. Despite the Lankans posting a stiff first innings total on the board, the hosts have also risen to the challenge exceptionally with a great batting performance.

Apart from Najmul Hossain Shanto (1) and skipper Mominul Haque (2), Bangladesh’s top and middle-order batters made the most of their starts and went on to convert them into impactful knocks. However, it was veteran batter Tamim Iqbal’s innings that stood out from the rest as he made a fantastic century.

Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das keep Sri Lanka at bay

Riding on an excellent 199 from senior all-rounder Angelo Mathews and a vital 66 runs from Dinesh Chandimal, Sri Lanka succeeded in posting a stiff total of 397 in their first innings despite a six-wicket haul from spinner Nayeem Hasan. In reply, Bangladesh made a strong statement with a 162-run opening stand between Tamim Iqbal and Mahmudul Hasan Joy.

Even though Joy was dismissed for 58, Tamim single-handedly took care of the innings as the hosts went on to lose the wickets of Shanto and Mominul in quick succession. Nonetheless, the southpaw stood like a wall from one end and went on to register his 10th Test century.

The explosive batter looked set for bigger knock after having make the Lankan bowlers toil hard before he began struggling due to extreme heat and started cramping.  As a result, he was forced to retire hurt for 133. The hosts then ensured that they did not receive any other setbacks from thereon as Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das took the initiative of reducing the side’s first innings deficit with important half-centuries. While Rahim remained unbeaten on 53, Das was not out at 54 as Bangladesh finished the day at 318/3. They still trial by 79 runs.

Here’s how Twitter reacted to Bangladesh’s first innings resistance:

Tamim Iqbal scores his 10th Test century, a welcome return to form for him. A great knock by the Bangladeshi opener.

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 17, 2022

Tamim Iqbal – Becomes first Ever player for Bangladesh cricket history to have scored 10 Hundreds in ODIs and Tests. pic.twitter.com/HYgO21Kotg

— CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh) May 17, 2022

10th Test hundred for Tamim Iqbal. 💯

Local lad. #BANvSL pic.twitter.com/UrzlLL6xwC

— Saif Ahmed (@saifahmed75) May 17, 2022

Finally, finally Tamim Iqbal scores a test hundred after a long time👏. pic.twitter.com/m5gcO1lSNu

— Delhi Capitals Fan (@pantiyerfc) May 17, 2022

Tamim Iqbal is retired hurt after the Tea break due to cramps. He will be permitted to bat later in the innings.#CricTracker #ShakibAlHasan #TamimIqbal #BANvsSL #TestCricket #Cricket pic.twitter.com/4DzIjkDWSK

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) May 17, 2022

Fifty completed both these batsman of Bangladesh Liton Das and Mushfiqur Rahim. Excellent partnership between these two. #BANvSL pic.twitter.com/r2j64WJz4Q

— CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh) May 17, 2022

Different opponent, same old Litton Kumer Das. He gets his 12th half century in the longest version of the game. Surely the best year in his career so far.#BANvSL pic.twitter.com/aUc2ks6fJZ

— ⁸ (@nahiyyan) May 17, 2022

Tamim Iqbal has a better away average in tests than every other test opener right now that's played more than 50 tests and he's got an overall average of 40+ too. Underrated! #BANvSL

— Anirudh (@OffDrive_) May 17, 2022