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'Can't question Bangladesh's ODI series win over Australia on good wickets' - Has Taskin Ahmed taken a dig at Pakistani pitches? originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Key Takeaways:
- Bangladesh claimed their first-ever ODI series win against Australia.
- Taskin Ahmed dismissed critics who link Bangladesh's wins to poor pitches.
- Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin's pace duo wrecked Australia's top order early.
Taskin Ahmed's subtle dig at Pakistan: Bangladesh beat Australia on a "Good wicket, not a paddy field"
Bangladesh fast bowler Taskin Ahmed took a subtle dig at Pakistan as he insisted that the Bangla Tigers sealed their first ODI series win over Australia on "good wickets" and not a "paddy field".
The Aussies had visited Pakistan earlier in May, where they were greeted with slow-turning pitches. Josh Inglis and Co. fought hard but were beaten 2-1 by the Men in Green as the visitors struggled to find their feet on dust bowls.
At the same time, Bangladesh's wins on home soil have repeatedly been dismissed because of their reputation for preparing slow, low, turning tracks in Dhaka. Critics have pointed to those surfaces whenever they beat heavyweights like Australia, England or New Zealand, often suggesting the conditions did more than the players.
MORE: Have Bangladesh ever beaten Australia in ODI cricket? Full AUS vs BAN ODI head-to-head record listed
Taskin tore apart that narrative and also took a sly dig at Pakistan, claiming that the victories were earned not on doctored surfaces, but on sporting wickets.
“It’s a wonderful feeling … we aren't playing on bad wickets anymore. It's not like we are playing in a paddy field. We are playing on good wickets and winning against a good team. So, it's a great achievement,” Taskin said at the press conference.
Bangladesh's lethal pace battery makes them dream about 2027 World Cup
Unlike the 2021 T20I series against Australia, where Bangladesh allegedly won on half-baked surfaces, the Mirpur wicket for this ODI series had genuine pace, carry and assistance for the fast bowlers. Bangladesh chose to back their seamers, and that decision paid off handsomely.
Taskin and Mustafizur Rahman tore into Australia at the start, as the Aussies were reduced to 0/3 in two overs, with the latter dismissing Cooper Connolly and Matt Renshaw.
“Fizz is always a chill guy. Experience matters a lot, and you can see that in his bowling. After playing for so many years, when the team needs him with the new ball, he tries his best,” Taskin said about Mustafizur.
MORE: Australian cricket in crisis? Reigning world champions' dismal ODI form continues
“He could probably do well whenever he wants, but if he bowls with the new ball more, he might get called for Tests!”
Beyond the series win, Taskin spoke about Bangladesh's larger ambitions to flourish in the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
“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," he said.
“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."
MORE: 'Mouth-watering prospect': Ian Bishop predicts bright SENA future for Nahid Rana
What next for Bangladesh cricket team?
Bangladesh will be back in action for the third ODI match against Australia on June 14. However, that is a dead rubber, since the series has already been wrapped up by Bangladesh after winning the first two ODIs. A three-match T20I series will follow on June 17, 19 and 21 after the 50-over games have been completed.
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