Taskin Ahmed Tazim, born on April 3, 1994, in Bangladesh, is a cricketer who has left an indelible mark with his right-arm fast bowling and left-handed batting. His journey from grassroots cricket to the international stage is a testament to his talent and determination.
Early Beginnings and Domestic Stardom
Taskin’s tryst with cricket began on January 10, 2007, in the Abahani playground. He honed his skills at the under-15 and under-17 levels before receiving the call-up to represent Bangladesh in the national under-19 cricket team.
First-Class Debut
In October 2011, Taskin made his first-class debut for Dhaka Metropolis against Barisal Division, marking the beginning of his domestic cricket journey.
U-19 World Cup Success
During the 2012 ICC Under-19 World Cup, Taskin emerged as the highest wicket-taker for Bangladesh, taking a remarkable 11 wickets.
Bangladesh Premier League (BPL)
Taskin’s breakthrough came in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). In BPL 2, playing for the Chittagong Kings, he earned the Man of the Match award for his exceptional figures of 4/31 in the semi-final against Duronto Rajshahi. This performance, where he took eight wickets in four matches, marked a turning point in his career.
In BPL 3, Taskin represented Chittagong Vikings and gained considerable recognition, becoming one of the most searched personalities in Bangladesh in 2015.
Stepping into the International Arena
Taskin’s journey into the national team was accelerated due to an injury to Mashrafe Mortaza, opening the door to international cricket.
T20I Debut
He made his T20I debut on April 1, 2014, and announced his arrival by dismissing Glenn Maxwell in his very first T20I match.
ODI Debut Milestone
On June 17, 2014, Taskin achieved a remarkable feat by taking five wickets against India in his ODI debut, becoming the first Bangladeshi bowler to do so on debut.
Test Cricket Entry
Taskin made his Test debut for Bangladesh against New Zealand on January 12, 2017, and announced himself by dismissing Kane Williamson to claim his maiden Test wicket.
World Cup Glory
Taskin’s stellar performances earned him a spot in Bangladesh’s squad for the 2015 Cricket World Cup. During the tournament, he played a pivotal role, finishing as Bangladesh’s highest wicket-taker. His iconic “Chest-bump” celebration with Mashrafe Mortaza became one of the World Cup’s most memorable moments.
The Rise Continues
Taskin played an essential role in Bangladesh’s victories against Pakistan in April 2015 and India in June 2015, showcasing his consistency and adaptability.
Temporary Setback
In 2016, Taskin faced a setback when he was suspended from bowling in international cricket due to an illegal action during the ICC World Twenty20 tournament.
All-Format Performer
Taskin’s versatility and form earned him a place in Bangladesh’s squad across all formats for their tour to Zimbabwe in June 2021. In a Test match against Zimbabwe, he displayed his batting prowess, scoring 75 runs and forming a historic partnership of 191 runs with Mahmudullah, the second-highest ninth-wicket partnership in Test cricket.
T20 World Cup Success
Taskin continued to shine in T20 cricket, becoming Bangladesh’s leading wicket-taker in the 2022 T20 World Cup with eight wickets in five matches.
T20I Career-Best Figures
In March 2023, Taskin demonstrated his bowling prowess by taking four wickets for 16 runs, achieving his career-best figures in T20Is during Bangladesh’s T20 series against Ireland.
The Need for Speed
Taskin’s blazing pace makes him the fastest bowler in the history of Bangladesh cricket. During the 2021 T-20 World Cup, he consistently bowled at speeds exceeding 150 km/h, surpassing the previous record held by Mashrafe Mortaza at 148 km/h.
Taskin Ahmed Tazim’s cricketing journey from Dhaka’s local grounds to international arenas is an inspiring tale of talent and hard work. With his lethal pace and all-round skills, he continues to be a vital asset to the Bangladesh cricket team. Off the field, he balances his cricketing career with studies, emphasizing the importance of education in his life.
In November 2017, Taskin embarked on a new journey by marrying his childhood friend, Sayeda Rabeya Nayeem, and they welcomed their first child, Tashfeen Ahmed Rihan, on September 30, 2018.
