Bangladesh pacer Taskin Ahmed has expressed his disappointment over the side’s lackluster batting in the tri-nation ODI series opening game against Zimbabwe, citing the batting collapse as the key reason behind their 99-run defeat.

Chasing a victory target of 272, after Zimbabwe put up 271-8, Bangladesh experienced a batting collapse which eventually bowled them out for just 172 in 33.2 overs.

Taskin said the target was within reach on an otherwise a friendly batting pitch. 

“The pitch was the same as it was today, and we bowled well. A little bit of a twist was going to get us punished. 272 was definitely chase-able,” Taskin said after the match.

“In these conditions, it was necessary to chase. We should have done it. We did not play well and could not build a partnership. The match would have been different had we could build some partnerships. There are regular mistakes in batting. The consistency in bowling has also improved a bit. I think the batters should have won this match.”

Taskin claimed 3-44 in 10 overs in the match to be standout amongst the Bangladeshi bowler. His opening burst which saw them got three wickets in first six overs left Zimbabwe in precarious situation but they recovered through steady 150-run partnership between Craig Ervine and Brendan Taylor to post a competitive total.

The lanky Bangladesh fast blower praised Zimbabwe's batters for building partnerships and handling pressure on a favourable batting surface, qualities he felt Bangladesh lacked during their chase. 

“A few days ago, the Test in Abu Dhabi was also drawn. This pitch is good for scoring runs. Partnerships could have been built if we had wanted. They did that. They handled the good balls very well and punished the bad ones,” he said.

“They showed that no matter how much pressure there is, it is possible to score well if you build a partnership on a good pitch.”

The Bangladesh pacer said the defeat should serve as a reality check for the team, stressing that both batters and bowlers must take responsibility for improving overall performance.

“This has been a reality check. We have understood that there are some areas that need to be improved. This is not an individual game. Individual performances by one or two players do not matter if the team cannot win. We have to improve as a team. Batters and bowlers are equally responsible,” he said.

He also weighed in on criticism of the team's local coaching staff following the defeat, arguing that coaching credentials should not be judged solely on whether coaches are local or foreign.

“Whether the coaching staff is local or foreign, the basic theory is the same. It is not that everything in the world will turn upside down when a foreign coach comes. Local coaches are also quite capable. They have played at a good level and are coaching well,” Taskin said.

He added that the scrutiny of local coaches often intensified after defeats, while victories tended to attract less discussion about their role.

“It's not about domestic or foreign. It's all about results. If you win, everything is fine,” he said.