Taskin Ahmed draws inspiration from debut ahead of India clash

Mirpur (Bangladesh), June 17 (IANS) Bangladesh paceman Taskin Ahmed is thrilled at the prospect of again facing India, who were the opponents on his One-Day International (ODI) debut.

The 20-year old played his first ODI against the then reigning World Champions on June 17 last year. He returned 5-28, his best ODI figures. Bangladesh, however, went on to lose the match here but the career-best performance is fuelling the tall pacer’s enthusiasm, reports bdnews24.com.

"Memories against India will work as inspiration. But (we) have to start the game from the scratch on the field. Now (we) have to play well all over again," Taskin said.

Bangladesh and India will lock horns in a three-match ODI series at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium with the first match on Thursday.

Taskin has 19 wickets in 12 matches, including 10 wickets in three matches against India, at an average of 11.20.

Bangladesh played the knockout stages for the first time in the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. They bowed out of the showcase event, losing to India in the quarterfinals.

Taskin dreams of a different result in this series. "Maybe we can do it this time. Our team is stronger than before. Everyone is playing well. If we can maintain the consistency, something good will happen," said the fast bowler.

The pace trio of captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, Rubel Hossain and Taskin formed a successful attack during the World Cup. They followed it up with the 3-0 success in the series against Pakistan. Taskin thinks the pace unit needs to do well against India to have any chance of winning.

"Our pacers did very well in the Pakistan series. I hope everyone will do well this time around as well. India are one of the best teams in the world. Their batting is significantly stronger in the sub-continent. Our pacers have to do well against them," concluded Taskin.