In the first ODI, fast bowlers disrupt Sri Lanka with a three-wicket burst that sets the tone.
In a match-winning performance, Bangladesh’s quick bowling once again showed promise, with Tanzim Hasan Sakib emerging as their most recent bright spot. In the first ODI, the 21-year-old stole the show from a powerful Sri Lanka, claiming three wickets in his first stint in Chattogram as the visiting openers got off to a quick start.
In consecutive overs, Tanzim dismissed Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, and Sadeera Samarawickrama, bringing them down to 84 for 3. After losing so many wickets quickly, Shoriful Islam and Taskin Ahmed both went on to replicate Tanzim’s three-for-for total, leaving Sri Lanka unable to rally. The fast bowlers of Bangladesh claimed nine or more wickets in an ODI innings for just the third time in their history. Not surprisingly, all three of these cases date from the past 12 months, which are regarded as Bangladesh’s pace revolution.
Both Taskin and Shoriful, who had a little tap in their opening periods, had tremendous rallies during the match. Initially recognized by Ottis Gibson as the bowling instructor, Taskin is regarded as the group’s natural leader in fast bowling. Eventually, Allan Donald also thought he was the finest of the group. Shoriful has also matured, especially since his temporary dismissal from the team last year.
Compared to Tanzim, who was participating in his sixth ODI, they are more seasoned. Furthermore, he was taking the place of Mustafizur Rahman, the most seasoned fast bowler in the present squad, whose performance suffered in the BPL and in the Twenty20 Internationals against Sri Lanka. However, Tanzim had claimed three wickets in the last ODI between Bangladesh and New Zealand, which the visitors won handily. It was also their first victory on New Zealand territory.
Mushfiqur Rahim, who claimed two of Tanzim’s wickets during his opening stint, saw a well-behaved young fast bowler who he believes has already blended in with the Bangladeshi team.
“Sakib’s desire and work ethic is right up there among the fast bowlers,” stated Mushfiqur. “He does a great job of maintaining his nutrition and level of fitness—I’m not talking about the result. With a heart like a lion, he bowls. He’s not searching for wickets. He attempts to bowl in appropriate spots. He is a determined and aggressive person. Any club that has a young player with this mentality is really fortunate. It saves you from having to teach him when you enter this atmosphere with a positive habit. He’ll motivate others.”
The other members of the fast bowling group have contributed exactly this mindset during the past three years. Many people in Bangladesh have been motivated by Taskin’s comeback tale, but it has also improved fast bowlers’ performance and discipline, which is greatly required. Donald, the former bowling coach, oversaw significant improvements in the team’s health and mindset. Their first ODI series victory in South Africa in 2022 was the outcome of it.
Shoriful was Tanzim’s teammate during Bangladesh’s trophy-winning 2020 Under-19 World Cup campaign, and Tanzim graduated ahead of schedule. His roots are said to be strong in part because he hails from Sylhet, which is said to be Bangladesh’s newest center for fast bowling. Sylhet is also the birthplace of Ebadot Hossain, Abu Jayed, Khaled Ahmed, and Rejaur Rahman Raja.
Tanzim, though, will need to come to terms with the fact that he won’t be playing much. He is unlikely to be a first-choice in the Test series against Sri Lanka that is scheduled for later this month, given the fast-bowling stocks and the team management’s intentions for the home Tests. Although it could slow down his development a little, Tanzim, like his fast-bowling teammates, will be hoping to maintain his composure and form for the T20 World Cup later this year.
