'It was unexpected': Taskin Ahmed on Bangladesh's worst batting collapse against SL

Colombo: Bangladesh fast bowler Taskin Ahmed described the team’s collapse in the first ODI against Sri Lanka as both “painful and unexpected" after conceding a 77-run defeat as spin duo Wanindu Hasaranga and Kamindu Mendis combined for seven wickets in the match.

Chasing a modest target of 245 at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Wednesday, Bangladesh seemed well in control at 100 for 1 in the 17th over. However, a dramatic and historic meltdown followed, as they crashed to 107 for 8 - losing seven wickets for just five runs, marking the worst such 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, falling from 23 for 1 to 31 for 8 before being bowled out for 35.

Unfortunately, we had a great start, but after that... tough loss for us. Seven wickets in five runs - it was unexpected. We tried, but it didn't happen. Yeah, it wasn't a great feeling,” Taskin said after the match. “"Premadasa is a bit tricky, but today, from that (Wanindu) Hasaranga over when (Najmul Hossain) Shanto got run out followed by (Tanzid Hasan) Tamim's dismissal, we collapsed badly. Those two wickets in one over were the turning point. The way we started today, I was expecting we would win with 5-6 overs in hand, but unfortunately, that collapse was a big loss. It hurts because I am also a player. Bowling and batting combined, we are a team."

Taskin believed the pitch wasn’t overly difficult for batting, citing Jaker Ali’s late resistance.

“Look, Jaker batted really well at the end. With him, if we had two or three batters left, we could have won the match. Yes, we didn't bat well, but seeing two or three guys bat on this wicket, it doesn't feel like the wicket was that bad. That was our failure. Actually, we bowled pretty well, but still, it could have been better. But it's okay.” IANS

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