There is a different pressure in franchise cricket and I feel playing these types of leagues gives a very good experience: Taskin Ahmed

Taskin Ahmed has played 13 Tests, 59 ODIs, and 54 T20Is for Bangladesh and picked up 30, 81, and 52 wickets, respectively. He had to wait for regular chances in the playing XI as experienced bowlers like Mashrafe Mortaza, Rubel Hossain, and others were backed ahead of him. However, once he got consistent opportunities in the playing XI, the Dhaka-born has shown his class on a regular basis.

Taskin played in the recently-concluded Zim Afro T10 league for Bulawayo Braves. In seven matches, the talented bowler picked up 11 wickets at an average of 10 and an economy rate of 7.85. The 28-year-old shed light on his experience playing in the franchise league and how it can help him hone his skills as a fast bowler.

"Playing in a franchise-based league for the first time was a great experience. There is a different pressure in franchise cricket and I feel playing these types of leagues gives a very good experience. Also, being able to play them when the opportunity arises is a good thing," Taskin told The Daily Star.

"I want to keep my improvement curve upward. Giving my best and trying smartly is what is in my control," Taskin was hopeful of further improvement."

I was focusing on execution in Zim Afro T10 league: Taskin Ahmed

Taskin also explained his mindset while playing in the tournament and how he is working hard off the field in order to be ready when needed during matches.

"Batters' intent in T10 cricket is very high and it is not easy to bowl economically. I was focusing on execution. It was a great experience, it doesn't matter whether the format is Test or T10. It's difficult to hit good deliveries and when you can execute according to your strengths that's always the best thing. The tournament went very well but there are big tournaments coming ahead for me and I will try to do well. Process-wise, my work now is to do the hard work off the field and practice the right way before giving my best on the field."

The right-arm pacer will be one of the key bowlers for Bangladesh in the upcoming ODI World Cup. He will have a crucial role to play upfront with the new ball and also in the death overs. His experience playing in the T10 league, which is a very difficult format for bowlers, could certainly hold him in good stead in the showpiece event.