World Cup success inspired us, says Tamim

Bangladesh's 300-plus run chase against Scotland during the World Cup has given their batsmen the confidence in their ability to post big scores in Test cricket, according to double-centurion Tamim Iqbal.

Iqbal and fellow opener Imrul Kayes posted their nation's highest partnership for any wicket in the second innings of the first Test against Pakistan, scoring 312 runs before Kayes was dismissed for 150.

Trialling Pakistan by 296 runs, the crucial stand gave the hosts a narrow 16-run lead when the first wicket fell early on day five, putting Bangladesh in a strong position to save the match. Their innings overhauled the largest first-innings defecit without losing a wicket in Test history.

"Our coach said a very important thing when we were about to chase Scotland's 300-above score in the World Cup, and that was there is no point looking at the scoreboard because it only will give you pressure and nothing else," Tamim said after day four.

"There were two ways to bat today, one is to defend and defend to try and survive the 150 overs which might have got us out quickly because our mindset would have been negative.

"We thought of the other way with attack being the best defence. We attacked from the word go."

Bangladesh's successful chase against Scotland – where they scored 4-322 in pursuit of 318 – during the tournament was the biggest in their ODI history.

Quick Single: Bangladesh chase down huge Scots total

Image Id: ~/media/AC3D0E9F9ECA4A37A86E5CA6FCBC22CC

Bangladesh celebrate knocking off Scotland in New Zealand // Getty Images

Playing instinctively was the also key to both his and Imrul's success, Tamim said.

"Imrul and I never had a talk that we would go and attack them, we just batted the way we naturally do.

"Even on the first day they bowled well and in right areas. We were quite defensive then and eventually they took our wickets.

"I played my game and Imrul played his, that it. Actually if you play uncharacteristically, it will be very difficult to save the match."

Image Id: ~/media/D85D4BD358B84575A448AFF358232082

Imrul celebrates his century // Getty Images

Tamim had set a new Test match high score when he passed 151, and was finally dismissed for 206, stumped having faced 278 balls and hit 17 fours and seven sixes. The innings capped his remarkable turnaround in form since scoring 154 runs at 25.66 during the World Cup.

He scored 132, 116 not out and 64 in the ODI series against Pakistan, while his second-innings ton on Friday saw him become the first Bangladesh batsman to score three consecutive Test centuries.

The first two came against Zimbabwe in November last year.

"I feel really proud to achieve something like this. I would want to extend this form, and not stop within just five or six games," Tamim said.

He dedicated his innings to his aunt, who passed away on Friday.