Taskin Ahmed snapped 3/42 vs ZIM at Abu Dhabi | PC- AFP
Bangladesh lost to Zimbabwe by a hefty margin of 99 runs in the opening fixture of the Tri-Nation Series in UAE 2026. Although the bowlers did their job, Bangladesh's batters failed badly in a chase of 272 runs on Saturday in Abu Dhabi.
Taskin Ahmed, who picked three wickets during his ten-over spell, categorically blamed the batting, as Bangladesh folded for just 172 runs in 33.4 overs against the Chevrons.
Taskin Ahmed blames batters after loss to Zimbabwe
Taskin Ahmed, who set up the game for Bangladesh with his opening spell, showed his disappointment in the batters, who yet again collapsed in a crucial chase.
The 31-year-old blamed the batters, saying that the lacked consistency and that a target like that should be chased against a team like Zimbabwe.
“270 was definitely chaseable, at least against Zimbabwe,” Taskin Ahmed told in the post-match press-conference.
“We actually didn't play well, meaning we should have chased it, and unfortunately, we couldn't form a single partnership. Just one partnership would have taken the game away, but repeatedly, mistakes are made in batting,” he said.
“The problem is with consistency and it has been observed that we need to build this consistency and game awareness. Our lack of game awareness is a bit more because everyone has the skill, and all of you who watch cricket know that every batsman has proven that they can bat well," the speedster added.
Moreover, Taskin said Bangladesh would need to win the next match and qualify for the final of the Tri-Nation Series in UAE 2026. If they don't, it would impact their morale.
“I hope that if we can win the next match and fight back, Inshallah, it's still possible. Because if we can't play the final of this tri-nation tournament, we will be somewhat morally down, but we will try to make a strong comeback in the next match,” he said.
Taskin, Shoriful set up the game, but batting collapse vs ZIM
Bowling first, Taskin Ahmed ran a roit against the Zimbabwe batters, reducing them for 24/3 inside first seven overs. However, the two senior men, Brendan Taylor and Craig Ervine, took the Chevrons out of trouble, with a massive 150-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
Not just that, Bangladesh bowlers didn't have answers for the lower order batters, as Zimbabwe ended their innings on 271/8 despite losing half of their side on 181 runs in 38.1 overs.
Alas for Bangladesh, baring Taskin and Shoriful Islam (2/47), the whole team had a flatened outing in the first match of Tri-Nation Series in UAE 2026.
The Tigers will next face Afghanistan at the same venue on October 21, which would be a virtual do-or-die fixture for them.
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