Taskin ready to embrace new challenges
A file photo from September 10, 2021 shows Bangladesh pacer Taskin Ahmed (L) sharing some thoughts with captain Mahmudullah (R) during their fifth T20 match against New Zealand in Mirpur. — AFP photo
Sports desk: Bangladesh speedster Taskin Ahmed is ready to embrace the challenges of bowling in the flat surfaces of Oman and the UAE in the forthcoming ICC Twenty20 World Cup.
Taskin returned to the national team after being overlooked for the 2019 ICC World Cup in England and his performances in all three formats for the national team saw him make it to the 15-man ICC T20 World Cup squad.
‘This is an ICC event, whether we play in flat tracks or sporting wickets, that will always be back in my mind. It will be challenging for the bowlers but at the same time there will be opportunities to do well if we can execute well,’ Taskin told the media on Wednesday.
In his seven-year international career, the 26-year-old right-arm pacer has never played in Oman or in the UAE.
‘I am very excited because I have never been to Oman before. Even with the events that have taken place in Dubai, I have not played a match there yet… I am excited and at the same time I want to win the team matches with some good bowling,’ he said.
Taskin played two T20Is in Zimbabwe but didn’t get a single game in the Australia series at home and played the final match of the recently concluded New Zealand series, where he finished with 1-34.
Taskin, the quickest pacer Bangladesh has in their T20 setup right now, was mostly left out in the last two home series as the conditions were not favourable for a bowler with extra pace.
But in Oman and the UAE, the extra pace that Taskin offers could very well be the order of the day and Taskin said he, with the help of the support staff, is preparing for the challenge that lies ahead.
‘Although I did not really play in the last two T20 series due to the conditions, I did take part in the last match that was played. Preparations are underway with Ottis Gibson and the rest of the team management. We will also get some time to prepare after landing there.’
The Tigers are enjoying their vacation ahead of the global event after a 3-2 series win over New Zealand in the five-match T20 series that ended last week.
The Tigers are expected to leave for Oman on October 3 to take part in the first round of the T20 World Cup scheduled to begin on October 17.
They are also expected to hold a 10-day-long training camp upon their arrival and will also play some warm-up matches.
Taskin thinks that the team’s preparation period after reaching Oman and the practice matches before the tournament will help them set up their plans for the main competition.
‘We have 10 days to prepare and we also have some practice matches, maybe like three. We have to implement our plans according to the conditions.’
