‘We’re playing on a good wicket’ - Taskin Ahmed hits back at critics after Bangladesh’s historic ODI series win over Australia

Bangladesh pacer Taskin Ahmed expressed immense pride after his team secured a historic ODI series victory over Australia, sealing the three-match contest 2-0 with one game still to play.

The win marked another memorable chapter in Bangladesh cricket, but Taskin was particularly pleased that the achievement came on what he described as a proper cricket wicket, rather than the slow and turning surfaces that have often attracted criticism in the past.

For years, Bangladesh’s home victories against top teams have been met with skepticism, with many critics attributing their success to challenging pitches in Dhaka. However, the ongoing ODI series against Australia has been played on a more balanced surface, allowing both batters and bowlers to contribute.

“This time no one can say anything about the wicket either. We’re playing on a good wicket. It’s not a paddy field, okay? We’re playing on a good wicket and beating a good team. So it’s a great achievement,” Taskeen told the reporters.

The right-arm pacer admitted that defeating a quality Australian side made the triumph even more special for the hosts.

“It’s a great feeling. It feels really good,” he continued.

Australia found themselves in deep trouble early in their innings after losing three wickets without scoring, but they managed to recover through a crucial partnership and post a competitive total. Despite the fightback, Bangladesh comfortably chased down the target to seal the series.

Taskin praised his team’s ability to stay focused throughout the contest and reiterated that the pitch offered a fair battle between bat and ball.

“They put together a partnership after that, but we managed to break it. It’s a great feeling to do well against Australia. Actually, we were on the field, so we didn’t get many chances to look at things that way. Every over starts anew. We were all trying to finish the job as quickly as possible,” continued. 

The 31-year-old also credited Bangladesh’s recent progress to a conscious effort from both the players and the Bangladesh Cricket Board to move away from extreme conditions and prepare on surfaces that resemble those found in major cricketing nations.

According to Taskin, the long-term objective is to become a more adaptable side capable of succeeding in global tournaments.

“As a team, we’ve been gradually growing over the last year or so. We’re improving by playing on better wickets and in better conditions because our goal is only one thing: to perform well in major tournaments.”

“We still haven’t managed that properly. That’s why the board and players together want us to develop our skills and adaptability by playing in good conditions. In Australia or South Africa, wherever we play, there will definitely be extra bounce. The more we play on good wickets like these, the easier it will be to adapt. I’m sure it will help us in the future,” he concluded. 

With the series already secured, Bangladesh will now look to complete a clean sweep against the reigning world champions. The third and final match of the series will be played on June 14 at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium, Dhaka.