Bangladesh pace bowler Taskin Ahmed has responded to long-running criticism of home conditions after his side beat Australia 2-0 in the three-match ODI series with a game still to play.
A landmark result
The series win is regarded as one of Bangladesh’s most significant ODI achievements against a top-ranked opponent. It also came on more balanced pitches that gave batters and bowlers a fair share of the contest, which Taskin was keen to point out.
Talking to reporters, he said nobody could complain about the wicket this time, stressing that the surface was good, not a paddy field, and that Bangladesh were beating a quality side on it. He called the result a great achievement and said it felt really good.
How the deciding game went
Australia lost three wickets without scoring early on but recovered through a key partnership to reach a competitive total. Bangladesh kept their composure and chased it down comfortably to take the series. Taskin praised the discipline and focus of the team and said conditions allowed a fair fight between bat and ball.
Preparing for bigger stages
Taskin said the team has been growing steadily over the past year or so, with players and the Bangladesh Cricket Board working to build skills on better surfaces. The aim, he explained, is to perform in major tournaments.
He noted that places such as Australia and South Africa offer extra bounce, so the more Bangladesh play on good pitches like these, the easier future adjustment should be.
Bangladesh will now go for a clean sweep in the third ODI on June 14 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka.
