How Did Taskin Ahmed React to Bangladesh's Shocking Batting Collapse Against SL?

Colombo, July 3 (NationPress) Fast bowler Taskin Ahmed of Bangladesh characterized the team's stunning collapse in the initial ODI against Sri Lanka as both unexpected and painful after they faced a 77-run defeat, with the spin duo Wanindu Hasaranga and Kamindu Mendis claiming seven wickets between them.

While chasing a seemingly attainable target of 245 at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Wednesday, Bangladesh appeared to be in a strong position at 100 for 1 in the 17th over. However, a dramatic and historic collapse ensued, leaving them at 107 for 8 after losing seven wickets for a mere five runs, setting a record for the worst collapse in men’s ODI history.

The previous record for such a collapse was held by the USA, who lost seven wickets for eight runs against Nepal in 2020, plummeting from 23 for 1 to 31 for 8 before being bowled out for 35.

“We had a great start, but after that... it was a tough loss for us. Seven wickets in five runs - it was unexpected. We tried, but it just didn’t work out. It wasn’t a good feeling,” Taskin expressed following the match.

“The pitch at Premadasa is a bit tricky, but from that (Wanindu) Hasaranga over when (Najmul Hossain) Shanto got run out and (Tanzid Hasan) Tamim was dismissed, we collapsed significantly. Those two wickets in one over were the turning point. Given our start, I expected we’d win comfortably, but that collapse was a major setback. It hurts because I’m a part of the team. Bowling and batting together, we are a unit.

Taskin maintained that the pitch wasn’t overly challenging for batting, referencing Jaker Ali’s late stand. “Jaker batted excellently towards the end. With him, if we had two or three more batters, we could have clinched victory. Yes, our batting wasn’t up to the mark, but seeing a couple of guys play well on this wicket, it doesn’t seem like it was that poor. That was our shortcoming. We bowled decently, but there’s always room for improvement. But it’s alright.”

Taskin acknowledged he was taken aback by the rapid change in circumstances. “It highlights the unpredictability in cricket. I wasn’t anticipating that. I was relaxing in the dressing room with a coffee, and then suddenly, we were five wickets down. We aim to rebound strongly in the next match, learning from our errors.”

He also suggested that the team might have relaxed too soon, paving the way for panic. “After that excellent start, we became somewhat complacent. Everything was in our favor until that run-out and the loss of our set batter, Tamim. Then we panicked. We didn’t play our natural game, and under pressure, we crumbled. Statistically, this is a low-scoring ground, especially when batting second, increasing the likelihood of a loss. Nonetheless, we had the game under control and could have performed better,” he noted, emphasizing the necessity for Bangladesh to enhance their game awareness.

“These are our best 15-20 players. In terms of bowling and batting combined, plus game awareness, we lag behind the top teams. We’re striving to improve that within a positive environment and culture. We often mention this transition period. Perhaps it’s taking longer than expected, but we must move past it. There’s no alternative. We’re putting in the effort, and everyone is committed,” the pacer concluded.

The second ODI of the three-match series is scheduled to take place at the same venue on Saturday.