What began as a confident chase quickly descended into disarray for Bangladesh, as they crumbled from 100 for 1 to 167 all out in their opening ODI against Sri Lanka on 2 July at the R. Premadasa Stadium.
The result was a heavy 77-run defeat, despite a promising stand between Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Najmul Hossain Shanto and a four-wicket haul from returning pacer Taskin Ahmed.
Taskin, who was one of the bright spots with figures of 4 for 47, admitted that the loss left the team reeling. “I’m sure none of the players will be able to sleep peacefully after a result like this,” he said at the post-match press conference. “We know our fans expect better, and we wanted to deliver that.”
The visitors appeared well on course after Tanzid and Shanto combined for a 71-run partnership, lifting Bangladesh to 100 for 1 in pursuit of 245. But a sudden run-out of Shanto triggered one of the most baffling collapses in recent memory. In the span of just five runs, Bangladesh lost seven wickets, unable to cope with the spin of Wanindu Hasaranga and Kamindu Mendis.
Taskin recalled the moment vividly. “I was sitting in the dressing room drinking coffee when, all of a sudden, five wickets fell. It was shocking. Cricket reminds you time and again how uncertain it can be,” he said.
Even as he tried to defend his teammates, Taskin offered a candid assessment of Bangladesh’s current state. “If you look at the pipeline, we have around 15 to 20 players who are our best right now. Yes, we’re moving forward with them. We may lack some game awareness or mental sharpness compared to the top teams, but we’re trying to improve in those areas.”
The match marked Bangladesh’s first ODI without any of their five senior stalwarts—Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Mahmudullah Riyad—in 20 years. While several of them have not officially retired, each is now absent due to a combination of injury, politics, criticism or personal decision. The team is firmly in a transitional phase.
“We’ve been saying this is a transition period for a while now, and it’s taking time,” said Taskin. “But we’ll have to come out of it—there’s no alternative. We’re working hard every day, and I hope the fans will keep supporting us and keep us in their prayers, In shaa Allah.”
While Bangladesh’s performance on the day was well below par, Taskin’s bowling effort following his return from injury was one of the few positives. However, it was little consolation. “We’re not that bad of a team,” he insisted. “Yes, there was panic after losing two set batters in one over. But we have capable players, and I believe we’ll bounce back with better results soon. Without dreams, we can’t move forward.”