Published: 09:06 AM, 04 July 2025
Cricket really is a game of uncertainty: Taskin
A horrible batting meltdown saw Bangladesh lost seven wickets for just five runs eventually led them to a crushing 77-run defeat to Sri Lanka in the three-match ODI series opener on Wednesday at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. -Sri Lanka cricket
A horrible batting meltdown saw Bangladesh lost seven wickets for just five runs eventually led them to a crushing 77-run defeat to Sri Lanka in the three-match ODI series opener on Wednesday at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
Chasing a victory target of 245, Bangladesh were on course of a victory, with opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Najmul Hossain cutting through Sri Lankan attack in surgical fashion to help the side reach 100-1 in 16.2 overs.
The rot began with the dismissal of Shanto who went for an unlikely second run to trap himself in run-out for 23.
The leg-spin of Wanindu Hasaranga and the off-spin of Kamindu Mendis then appeared into the stage. And they demolished the visiting side in just 23 balls. In that manic 23 balls, Bangladesh lost six wickets with the both bowlers claiming three evenly to completely shatter the visitors' any of winning the game
Bangladesh's dramatic collapse - losing 7 wickets for just 5 runs - left the result inevitable, but Jaker Ali's fighting knock helped reduce the margin of defeat. He held one end and fought valiantly, but once he was trapped LBW by Wanindu Hasaranga, Bangladesh's 77-run loss was sealed.
The collapse was so sudden that Taskin Ahmed, who represented Bangladesh at the post-match press conference, admitted he was caught off guard. "I was in the dressing room having coffee when we suddenly lost five wickets. Cricket really is a game of uncertainty," Taskin said with disbelief. He expressed hope that the team would bounce back in the next match and learn from this collapse.
Reflecting on the shocking collapse, Taskin pointed to the sudden dismissal of set batters Shanto and Tanzid as the turning point. "When two set batters got out in the same over, it created panic. That's probably why the rest fell under pressure. Honestly, the way we got out was unexpected. We're not such a bad team."
"Everyone has the capability. This unexpected collapse cost us the match. But we believe we'll recover soon and come back strong. We're working hard every day. The rest is in God's hands - keep us in your prayers" Taskin further added. Despite the team's failure, fast bowler Taskin Ahmed came back with a bang by claiming 4-47 as Bangladesh bundled out to a total that was within their reach.
In an otherwise a pretty flat deck, Taskin who just returned to the squad after recovering from an injury roared exceptionally to deny Sri Lanka a big total despite its captain Charith Asalanka's scintillating 106.
Taskin scythed down Sri Lanka's top order in his first spell by removing opener Nishan Madushka and ever dangerous Kamindu Mendis. In between Tanzim Hasan Sakib had inform opener Pathum Nissanka caught by Liton Das for duck, reducing Sri Lanka to 29-3 in seventh over as they opted to bat first
Taskin bowled a maiden over and even could have got the wicket of Nissanka also as the opener found him in wanting against the fast bowler. However, Tanizm reaped the rewards of Taskin's good work by dismissing Nissanka.
