Bangladesh fast bowler Taskin Ahmed opened up about the team’s dramatic collapse in the first ODI against Sri Lanka, admitting that panic and a loss of focus cost them a match that seemed well within reach.
Bangladesh had gotten off to a strong start in their chase of 245, reaching 96 for 1 by the end of the 16th over. With openers Tanzid Hasan and Najmul Hossain Shanto looking solid, the visitors were cruising, and Taskin genuinely believed they would wrap up the game with five to seven overs to spare.
But then, things fell apart in a matter of minutes. A moment of brilliance in the field from debutant Milan Rathnayake resulted in Shanto getting run out for 23. That breakthrough sparked chaos. Wanindu Hasaranga struck twice in the next over, removing both Litton Das and Tanzid. From 100 for 2, Bangladesh suddenly found themselves at 105 for 8—losing seven wickets for just five runs.
Taskin admitted that the team let the situation get to them. After the early success, they relaxed a bit too much and weren’t prepared for the pressure that followed. Once wickets began to fall, the batters lost their composure and struggled to play their natural game.
He pointed out that Jaker Ali, who scored a gritty 51 off 64 balls, was one of the few who adapted well. According to Taskin, if Jaker had received support from two or three other batters, the result could have been very different. He also dismissed the idea that the pitch was overly difficult, saying it didn’t seem unplayable based on how a couple of the players batted.
In the end, Taskin summed it up as a mental collapse. The team panicked after losing a set batter and never recovered, turning what could have been a comfortable win into a disappointing defeat.
Bangladesh will now need to regroup and reflect on how quickly the match slipped away as they prepare for the next game in the series.
Also Read : Daren Sammy Calls for “Right Process” After Sexual-Offence Allegations Against West Indies Player
