Stand-in Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal on Thursday paid tribute to retiring Sri Lankan star Lasith Malinga but said the fast bowler’s farewell match would not distract his team from winning.
Malinga will play his final One-Day International here on Friday in the first of three matches against Bangladesh, although he hopes to continue playing in the shorter T20 format.
“I think he is a great ambassador of this game,” Tamim told reporters on Thursday, adding Malinga’s achievements were “extraordinary”. “Tomorrow is a special game for him. But one thing is for sure — when we play against him we will not keep it in our head that it will be his last match and will try to play as hard as possible. We will try to win the game for Bangladesh.”
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Malinga said on Thursday he was “very happy” to make way for younger players after calling time on his illustrious 15-year career in the 50-over format.
“I am very happy to leave at this time. This is an opportunity for new players to prove themselves and prepare for the next World Cup.
“We may have had some setbacks, but we have the capability to win another World Cup,” Malinga said, pointing to Sri Lanka's success at the 1996 World Cup and 2014 T20 World Cup.
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Malinga called on cricket administrators to be patient with up-and-coming stars and let them develop ahead of the next ODI World Cup.
“The young players need to believe that they can deliver. They need to be dedicated and develop to a level that they can decide for themselves when they go to the middle,” Malinga said.
Captaincy debut
The match also holds special meaning for Tamim, who will make his debut as 14th ODI captain for Bangladesh with Mashrafe Mortaza out injured.
He will lead a new-look team that will also miss the services of all-rounders Shakib Al Hasan and Mohammad Saifuddin, and wicketkeeper-batsman Liton Das.
The second and third matches will be held at the same venue on July 28 and 31.