Taskin’s rollercoaster returns, drops catch, claims wicket

In a high-stakes opening match of the three-match T20I series at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur on Sunday, July 20, 2025, Bangladesh pacer Taskin Ahmed experienced a dramatic return to the XI. 

The fiery right-armer dropped a straightforward catch in the first over but redeemed himself by snaring a crucial wicket, setting the tone for a gripping contest against a formidable Pakistan side.

Taskin, back in the lineup after replacing Shoriful Islam, showed early nerves. In the first over, bowled by spinner Sheikh Mahedi Hasan, Pakistan’s Fakhar Zaman lofted a slog sweep that soared toward short fine leg. Taskin, positioned perfectly, spilled the catch, granting Fakhar a lifeline at 4 runs. The miss stung, and Taskin’s woes continued when he took the ball, conceding 9 runs off his first four deliveries—a costly start against Pakistan’s aggressive batting.

But Taskin, known for his resilience, bounced back on the fifth ball. Pakistan opener Saim Ayub (6 off 4) flicked a delivery toward the fine leg boundary, only for Mustafizur Rahman to pouch a sharp catch. Taskin’s breakthrough lifted Bangladesh’s spirits, proving his knack for turning the tide despite early jitters.

Bangladesh captain Litton Das won the toss and opted to bowl first, banking on spin to exploit the Mirpur pitch. Mahedi’s opening over nearly paid dividends, but Taskin’s dropped catch kept Pakistan in the game. By the fifth over, Pakistan reached 40 for 3, with Bangladesh’s bowlers, led by Taskin and Mustafizur, applying pressure to curb the visitors’ momentum.

The hosts, fresh off a mixed Sri Lanka tour where they clinched the T20I series despite losses in Tests and ODIs, made a single change to their lineup, bringing in Taskin for Shoriful. Pakistan, a T20I powerhouse that bested Bangladesh in their last encounter, fielded a balanced side led by Salman Agha, with stars like Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Nawaz, and Abrar Ahmed.

Lineups and context

Bangladesh XI: Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanzid Hasan, Litton Das (capt & wk), Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman

Pakistan XI: Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris (wk), Hasan Nawaz, Salman Agha (capt), Mohammad Nawaz, Khushdil Shah, Faheem Ashraf, Abbas Afridi, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed

The series marks a critical test for Bangladesh, who aim to leverage home advantage against a consistent Pakistan side. Taskin’s performance - flawed yet impactful - mirrors the Tigers’ broader journey: moments of brilliance tempered by the need for precision. As the match unfolds, fans on X are buzzing, with some lauding Taskin’s wicket as a turning point and others lamenting the early drop. With two more T20Is to go, Bangladesh will need their pacer to find his rhythm to tame the Tigers’ rivals.