DHAKA, July 3, 2025 (BSS)—Bangladesh fast bowler Taskin Ahmed dubbed the sensational collapse in the first ODI against Sri Lanka in Colombo as unexpected, saying that it’s a ‘tough pill for them to swallow.’

The visiting side experienced a worst collapse, losing seven wickets for five runs as they were in a position of dominance while chasing a modest target of 245 at R Premadasa Stadium yesterday night. 

The sensational meltdown saw them slip to 105- 8 from 100-1, the worst such collapse in men's ODI history.

Taskin who made a strong comeback after recovering from an injury with 4-47, and set the platform for a victory in an otherwise a pretty benign surface, said he was having coffee in the dressing room while the collapse happened. 

“I was chilling in the dressing room with a coffee, and suddenly, five wickets down,” he said in the post-match conference.

"Unfortunately, we had a great start, but after that... tough loss for us. Seven wickets in five runs - it was unexpected.”

He continued: “We tried, but it didn't happen. Yeah, it wasn't a great feeling. Premadasa is a bit tricky, but today, from that Wanindu Hasaranga over when Najmul Hossain Shanto got run out followed by Tanzid Hasan Tamim's dismissal, we collapsed badly. Those two wickets in one over were the turning point.”

Taskin said he was expecting a victory after Bangladesh started promisingly. 

“The way we started today, I was expecting we would win with 5-6 overs in hand, but unfortunately, that collapse was a big loss. It hurts because I am also a player. Bowling and batting combined, we are a team."

Despite being reduced to 105-8, Bangladesh were eventually bowled out for 167 with Jaker Ali Anik who made 51, sharing 62 runs in the ninth and 10th wicket combined.

Pointing out Jaker’s batting, Taskin said, the wicket had no demons.

“Jaker batted really well at the end. With him, if we had two or three batters left, we could have won the match,” he said. 

“Yes, we didn't bat well, but seeing two or three guys bat on this wicket, it doesn't feel like the wicket was that bad. That was our failure. Actually, we bowled pretty well, but still, it could have been better. But it's okay,"

The second ODI is on Saturday at the same venue, a match that now turns out to be ‘do or die’ game for them to stay alive in the series. Taskin is expecting a strong comeback, leaving behind the horrible experience of first ODI.

“Hopefully, we will come back stronger in the next game, and everyone will learn from the mistakes."