Tamim Iqbal’s batting on the crease on the first day Asia Cup match against Sri Lanka was planned. The decision was, if Mushfiq is batting and Tamim is given the non-strike place the latter would come to the field.

Keeping Tamim at the non-strike end, Mushfiq fired on all cylinders and took 32 runs off 15 balls in the last overs.

Tamim’s coming to the crease with an injury was the talk of the cricketing fraternity last night and he said: the plan was made when Mashrafe was out and decision was taken that with Mushfiq batting, Tamim would be at the non-strike end.

Players told journalists after the match that the plan to allow Tamim to head back to the game was masterminded by Mashrafe.

Despite the much applauded show of mental strength, Tamim will be out of action for six weeks.