Taskin Ahmed the Only Positive for Bangladesh in Series Defeat to India

After a disappointing series against India, when Bangladesh take stock, they will find only one silver lining - the emergence of young fast bowler Taskin Ahmed. After taking five wickets on debut, the 19-year-old seamer was on the top of his game in the third and final ODI too, snaring 2/15 from his eight overs.

After the final match was abandoned, Bangladesh lost the chance to salvage some pride, especially after they were wounded following the disastrous collapse in the second game. Chasing 105, the hosts were shot out for 58. But Taskin's impressive bowling, albeit in helpful conditions stood out. The young pacer even drew praise from Indian captain Suresh Raina, who recalled facing Taskin in the nets during the Asia Cup in February.

"When we came here for the Asia Cup, Taskin used to bowl to us in the nets. That's why I am really happy to see the young man do so well," said Raina at the end of a rain-truncated series.

Taskin has come a long way from February. From bowling at the nets to visiting international batsmen, the Dhaka lad went on to become the first Bangladeshi bowler to take five wickets on debut. With seven scalps in two matches, Taskin was the highest wicket-taker in the series despite the presence of more experienced bowlers in the ranks.

Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim, was of course disappointed with the loss, but found solace in the way his pacers, led by the rookie Taskin, exploited the conditions: "The wicket was helpful for seam bowling but you still have to bowl in good areas. So credit goes to our pace bowlers, especially Taskin and Al-Amin Hossain." (Match highlights)

But barring a mutual admiration for Taskin, the series had nothing in common for the two skippers. While Raina was excited about the role some youngsters from this series could play in the World Cup in Australia next year, Mushfiqur was left pondering over how to stem the flow of defeats.

While the batsmen found life difficult in Mirpur, India's bowlers did well to claim an impossible victory on Tuesday and Raina was effusive in his praise of the three seamers. With the World Cup less than a year away, India should be thrilled about the emergence of talented pacers.

"I am very happy with the side, especially Stuart Binny, who bowled really well alongside Mohit Sharma and Umesh Yadav. We played good cricket, and when you know that the World Cup is coming up, a lot of youngsters showed their character."

Meanwhile, Rahim has his task cut out and he now needs to chart a new course for the future.

When the win is not coming it is difficult to motivate the others but there are a few positives, and we have a new coaching staff, and we will work together and look to improve," said Rahim.

The Bangladesh skipper would have been embarrassed after the series defeat, but he was gracious enough to congratulate the visitors on their win.