BAN vs NED: Taskin Ahmed Not Ruling Out Bangladesh's Chances For Semi-final Berth

Taskin Ahmed, the bowler for Bangladesh, is optimistic about his team's prospects of reaching the ODI World Cup 2023 semifinals, even after four straight losses in the competition. Their matchup is against the Netherlands.

With just two points from five games, Bangladesh is ranked ninth in the points table. Taskin believes they have a chance to place in the top four in the standings if they win all of their remaining games in the championship tournament.

"It is not quite done. There are still four games left. Taskin stated at the pre-match press conference, "If we can win those four, anything can happen because there are some run rate issues as well as like a lot of teams like England and Afghanistan beat England they lost against Sri Lanka."

"So, maybe a different story will unfold if we win all four, but for now, we intend to proceed match by match. Yes, both the batting and bowling groups did not perform to our expectations, but there are still four games remaining. Thus, we anticipate performing well as well," he continued.

Although Bangladesh's performance in the quadrennial tournament was disappointing, the pacer is still certain that they would cross the finish line in the next games.

"There are a lot more improvements because we have not performed well enough. However, we also understand that we are superior than it. We are also capable. Yes, we have not performed well, though. Thus, I am hoping to do well in the upcoming four games," Taskin stated.

Taskin, who has been having trouble with rhythm and form, stated that skill more than speed is what will win in these circumstances.

"Speed is not the only factor. Express fast bowlers are out there, as we have seen, and they are also having trouble and giving up runs," he remarked.

So, speed is not the only factor in these kinds of situations. Both game awareness and certain variety abilities are required. Thus, speed is not the only factor. To succeed in these kinds of surfaces, you need a wide range of talents," Taskin stated.

Taskin is prepared to make a statement against the Netherlands after missing games against South Africa and India because of a recurrent shoulder issue.

"I have had this ailment to my shoulder for the past two years. My tendon has a rip, and while it hurts a little, I am handling it. I used it to play the Asia Cup. I feel so much better now," he remarked.

When asked if he could give it his all despite a niggle, Taskin replied, "I always want to perform as a player. According to my UK-based doctor, surgery is the last resort because there is no assurance that one will recover from it. Every person on the planet has some kind of ache or pain."