Bangladesh opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim has urged the team to stay united and play their best cricket as they look to revive their campaign in the ongoing tri-series in the UAE after the defeat to Zimbabwe in the opener.

Bangladesh suffered a 99-run defeat in the opening match of the ongoing tri-series in the United Arab Emirates. It was the continuation of their recent poor record against Zimbabwe, having lost their last two ODI series against the African side by the identical 2-1 margin in 2022 and 2026.

They face Afghanistan in Sharjah on Wednesday, needing a convincing victory to keep their hopes of reaching the final alive.

Asked whether Bangladesh’s recent struggles against Zimbabwe were a matter of mindset, Tanzid said the opponents had simply outplayed them.

“They played better cricket than us, which is why they won. Overall, I will just say one thing: we must play our brand of top-class cricket to do well in every match,” he said.

Tanzid scored 46 off 38 balls against Zimbabwe but felt Bangladesh lost control of the chase through a lack of partnerships and a cluster of wickets.

“I think the wicket was definitely suitable for chasing this target. The main issue was that we couldn't build partnerships. Plus, we lost wickets back-to-back, and this created pressure on us,” he said.

“We need to improve on how to release this pressure, how to stay calm in such situations, and bat for more overs to play longer innings.”

The opener said he needed to take greater responsibility when set at the crease, believing a longer stay could have put Bangladesh in a stronger position.

“If I had stayed there for another 20-25 overs, it might have been better for me, my team would have reached a good position, and the chase would have been much easier,” he said.

“As a set batter, if such situations arise in future matches, my responsibility will be to figure out how to take accountability, extend the innings by another 20-25 overs, and take the team to a good position.”

Bangladesh Cricket Board president Tamim Iqbal spoke to the players after Saturday’s defeat. Tanzid said the discussion was aimed at identifying problems and rebuilding confidence following the team’s disappointing results.

“I would say we had a very good meeting with him. The BCB always stands by us through good times and bad times,” Tanzid said.

“He asked what problems we were facing, especially since we lost the ODI series against Zimbabwe, and he boosted our self-confidence.”

Tanzid said the team needed to remain united and approach every international match with the same preparation, regardless of the opposition.

“We are like a family, and nobody wants any negativity to build up inside this family. He gave us a positive message so that we stay together and perform well on the field as a team,” he said.

“Regardless of whether the opponent is Zimbabwe or Australia, he emphasised focusing well on every international match, keeping the same preparation, uniting as a team, and performing well in all departments.”