350-plus will be ideal: Taskin

Prior to this Test, Taskin Ahmed had played just 10 first-class games in the last five years. So when he admitted that he went through a challenging experience in his debut Test, it was not a surprise.

“It was strenuous,” Taskin said when asked how his experience was after stumps in Wellington yesterday.

“There's a lot of pressure on your body. I bowled 29 overs and fielded for 150 overs. The fatigue affects your body. But I did enjoy a lot on the field. This is a very big thing for me, to play Test cricket. Inshallah this Test will end well.

“Until this Test I used to just watch Test cricket on TV, so this experience was very big and new for me. Bowlers have to be patient and bowl in the right areas consistently and then you have to be fit physically as well. But this is not an issue. This is my first Test and I will try to learn from the mistakes I committed here,” explained Taskin.

On a track that has produced more than 1,000 runs in just two innings and has helped batsmen a lot, Taskin got the key wicket of Kane Williamson, a player he had dismissed twice during the limited-overs series. The 21-year-old explained the strategy he used against the world-class batsman.

“He has a few strong zones and I tried not to bowl in those areas. I tried to consistently bowl in the areas that he is weaker in and I got his wicket. I think that's a big deal, to get him as my first Test scalp. But you know, in order to get wickets you need to be lucky and I could have gotten more.

“But that does not manner. The players and coach have appreciated me and have told me that I have done well considering that this is my first Test. They are happy, but personally I want to do even better. Hopefully I will get more chances in the future,” he said.

Bangladesh lost three wickets at the death yesterday and with Imrul Kayes unlikely to bat they are effectively four down for 66. Taskin admitted that the visitors were under pressure.

“The situation is pretty tough for us at the moment because we lost a couple of wickets. But, we will try to start afresh on the fifth day. I think if we can provide them a target of around 350-plus, the bowlers will remain calm, because this is a really good wicket to bat on,” said Taskin.

“The wicket may be flat, but we also need to be careful because New Zealand have a brilliant bowling attack and our batsmen will need to exercise caution. It's true that we are under a bit of pressure, but I think that can be released if we have a 100 to 150-run stand tomorrow,” he added.

Furthermore Taskin said that the mood in the dressing room was not too bad since the players were already looking for a fresh start on day five.