NATWEST T20 BLAST, 2017

Tamim signs up with Essex for T20 Blast stint

by Cricbuzz Staff • Published on

Tamim had a successful time in England recently, finishing as the third highest run-getter with 293 runs in the Champions Trophy. © Getty

Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal has signed an eight-match deal with Essex for the ongoing NatWest T20 Blast. The southpaw will team up with Pakistan left-arm pacer Mohammad Amir as the second overseas signing and will be available to play for the side from Sunday's (July 9) game against Kent.

Tamim has enjoyed great success in England, averaging 64 in Tests and 50.71 in ODIs. Among his other exploits in the country is his recent success in the Champions Trophy, where he finished as the third highest run-getter with 293 runs and was instrumental in Bangladesh's maiden qualification to the semifinals of the tournament.

Tamim has been a consistent performer in T20 cricket, averaging over 30 at a strike rate of 118.36.

"Tamim has shown how good a player he is in the recent Champions Trophy competition," Chris Silverwood, Essex's head coach, said on Friday (July 7). "As a batsman he is capable of being destructive and that is reflected in his career strike rate.

"We identified the opening berth as an area we wanted to strengthen and we are thrilled to get a player of Tamim's calibre into the club. He will bolster the side for eight games and we look forward to his arrival."

Tamim too expressed excitement for the new challenge that lies ahead of him. He said: "I am really looking forward to linking up with my Essex team mates for the upcoming NatWest T20 Blast.

"I have played plenty of cricket with and against the likes of Ravi Bopara, Ryan ten Doeschate and Ashar Zaidi, so I'm sure it will be an environment I will settle into quickly. I always enjoy playing cricket in England and hope to help Essex make a big impact in the competition."

© Cricbuzz

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