Bowlers feed off Taskin’s efforts

Genuine pacers generally tend to bank on extra pace and bounce alongside initial movement to make the most impact, but what separates the average fast bowler from a quality one is the control and consistency to make things even more difficult for batsmen.

The renaissance of seamer Taskin Ahmed in recent times has been such a case, the tall pacer now starting to employ intelligence to great effect as the Tigers restricted Zimbabwe to 240 for nine in the second ODI.

Taskin may not have run through the order and, in fact, ended with just one wicket for 38 runs from 10 overs. But the impact that he made in the bowling department undoubtedly deserves appreciation. The damage was chiefly done by Shoriful Islam, who bagged four wickets, while Shakib Al Hasan followed up his fifer in the first game with two wickets in the second ODI.

Looking at the scorecard, many may consider Shoriful's contribution the vital cog behind Bangladesh's bowling success, but that would undermine the disciplined effort from Taskin right from the start which led to rewards for those around him.

Taskin found success in the first over of the innings, tempting Zimbabwe opener Tinashe Kamunhukamwe by bowling around the off-stump corridor consistently. The right-hander's patience finally broke and his eyes lit up when he saw a slightly shorter length delivery outside the off stump, but he could only scoop it to straight to Afif Hossain at the backward point region.

Taskin bowled five overs in his first spell, conceding 19 runs and picking up one wicket, while maintain a consistent line and often creating doubts in the batsman's mind. ODI Skipper Tamim Iqbal, perhaps realising Taskin's importance, then used him in shorter bursts, keeping the Zimbabwe batsmen quiet as wickets tumbled around them.

After reaching 33 for two inside six overs, the hosts tried to stage a comeback through Regis Chakabva and skipper Brendon Taylor, who added 47 runs for the third wicket.

On the other hand, after going for twelve runs in his first two overs, Shakib used his experience to take control of the batsmen with teasing deliveries. He provided the breakthrough as Chakabva's attempted drive missed an angled delivery from Shakib, which went through the gate and hit timber.

Shoriful also mixed it up with short bounces alongside length deliveries and Bangladesh assumed total control during the middle overs. All the members of the Bangladesh bowling department continued to complement each other until the end, with the final eight overs costing just 43 runs.

But among all the Tigers bowlers, it was Taskin's effort and discipline that stood out as further proof of the seamer's consistent improvement across formats. Although he could not live up to the hype despite a magnificent entry to international cricket, Taskin needs to keep such focus and momentum to become a world-class bowler in the coming days.