Tamim hopes to not feel burdened by his own expectations
Since the start of 2015, Tamim has been Bangladesh's most prolific run-scorer in Tests and ODIs. But in this World Cup, he has failed to convert his starts on each occasion, getting dismissed for scores of 16, 24 and 19. On two of those occasions, he got out to poor shots, attempting ill-advised pulls against New Zealand and England. "It is my expectations that is creating pressure," Tamim told ESPNcricinfo.
"It has nothing to do with preparation, I made bad decisions. I don't count the first match [against South Africa] because it was a good delivery [from Andile Phehlukwayo]. The other two games, I made bad decisions on that particular ball. The other thing is, if you go through both my innings, I made one mistake and got out.
"This is cricket, and you have to take it. I hope I take it in a positive way. I know the runs are around the corner. I am capable and I have done it before against the best attacks in the world, and I don't see why I can't do it again. And if I can't, that is also life."
ICC CWC 2007; India (191) v Bangladesh (192-5). Bangladesh won by 5 wickets
Tamim was instrumental in his side's historic win against India at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2007, as he set up the run-chase with a stroke-filled 51. He hasn't been able to make significant contributions in World Cups since, but he has good memories from his last tour of England, the ICC Champions Trophy 2017, which he finished with 293 runs from four innings.
The 30-year old admitted to trying too hard at times, but hoped that a good performance was around the corner.
"There's no 'enough' in cricket. I can easily point you towards my record in the last 50 matches. Nobody remembers it. It is always the present," he said.
"But if I want to grow as a cricketer, I have to remember what I have done. I am trying hard, but I hope I don't try too hard, which probably I am. I hope if I score in one of the next couple of games, I will be up and running."
Bangladesh, who have lost their last two games, against New Zealand and England, will take on Sri Lanka in Bristol on Tuesday, 11 June.