Dhaka, Aug 15 (NationPress) The assistant head coach of Bangladesh, Mohammad Salahuddin, has expressed confidence that openers Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Parvez Hossain Emon are set to make a notable impact, having demonstrated their abilities on the international youth cricket stage.

This duo, who have been friends since their Under-19 cricket days, played a crucial role in Bangladesh's historic ICC U-19 World Cup victory—marking the nation’s only significant international title thus far.

As Bangladesh gears up for a three-match T20I series against the Netherlands—an essential warm-up ahead of the Asia Cup—the focus will be squarely on these two left-handed batsmen. Now established as openers in white-ball formats, both are adopting a bold strategy that could provide vital early momentum for the team's innings.

"Upon joining the team, I focused on identifying key issues. With our experienced players departing, establishing a solid opening partnership became crucial for our progress. In Test matches, Shadman is in good form after a long time. We are on the lookout for another opener. In ODIs and T20Is, we rely on five to six batters, but our lower-order batsmen have struggled. Thus, I believe we cannot implement sweeping changes all at once. We need to make minor adjustments swiftly," Salahuddin mentioned in an interview with Cricbuzz.

"If the openers can settle in, it will significantly benefit the team. Therefore, instead of overhauling everything, I think it is wiser to make small enhancements for the team's improvement.

"Emon and Tamim have been playing together since their Under-19 days. Most importantly, they have experienced winning a World Cup, which allows them to play with confidence and take calculated risks. The boldness and skills required at the under-19 level are ingrained in them.

"Perhaps they have not reached full maturity yet. However, their understanding is evolving, and it’s evident. I believe, in due course, they will grasp what needs to be done. They will refine their skills, including technical aspects, game awareness, situational handling, and mutual understanding. If they perform well, it will benefit the team. Both possess dominating personalities, which is crucial at this level of cricket. A stronger mutual understanding between them will lead to a fruitful opening partnership in the future," he added.

After completing their fitness camp, the team plans to initiate skill training at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Friday. Following this, they are expected to move to Sylhet, where the three-match series will unfold at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium starting August 30.