Bangladesh team definitely had missed the fireworks of dashing left-hander Tamim Iqbal in the first match. But the good news was that another southpaw Shahriar Nafees

made an impressive return to limited-overs cricket after being left in the wilderness for two and a half years.

Playing in place of injured opener Tamim, Nafees got a good start by making 35 runs, the second team highest after Shakib Al Hasan's 58. But there was no reason for him to be satisfied with that score as he like others wasted the opportunity to carry on the innings, which is an area the Tigers must improve in the remaining games of the five-match series.

"We must improve on this area. In the first match I got a start but failed to convert it into a big one, so definitely I will try my best to capi-

talise on a good start in the next match. I'm fully concentrating on this issue," said Nafees while talking with reporters before start of their practice session at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpuryesterday.

Nafees once again said that he was not thinking on the return of Tamim, who started batting with soft ball yesterday and is improving fast from his wrist injury.

"As I told from the beginning that I am concentrating only on my own game. My duty is to perform for my team to cement my place in the squad. Tamim will automatically come to the squad when he is fit. I try my best to contribute for my team as much as possible if I get the chance. I have no hand in selection,” he opined.

Despite having 1-0 advantage in the series, Nafees said the team was looking forward to showing improved performance in the third match, which takes place tomorrow at Mirpur.

"I would like to echo the sentiment of our

management and captain who had earlier said that our main focus was to improve day by day. We won the first match but there is a lot of areas we must improve. We are very much positive and the team is in good shape and that's why we are confident about the third game," Nafees went on, adding that he was hopeful of a full-length third game as there is a sunny forecast forthe next few days.

Asked about the Tigers' chance to win the series, Nafees said: "We want to think match by match. If we win the next match that will be a big step forward to earn a very good result in the series. Right at the moment we are however focusing on the next game and not thinking about the series, "he added.