Bangladesh Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has called for more Test opportunities against India, Australia and England after his side completed a landmark 2-0 series sweep over Pakistan in Sylhet. The series victory secured Bangladesh’s first-ever home Test series win over Pakistan and continued the team’s growing progress in red-ball cricket after also defeating Pakistan 2-0 away from home in 2024.
The result lifted Bangladesh into the top five of the World Test Championship standings, moving ahead of India on percentage points after securing a 78-run victory in the second Test at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.
Bangladesh push for stronger Test schedule
Speaking to reporters after Bangladesh’s victory in the second Test against Pakistan, Shanto said the team now wanted regular opportunities against the strongest Test-playing nations across different conditions.
“We actually want to play Test matches. We want to play with every team. I think now we want to play more Tests with Australia, England, India, both home and away.”
Bangladesh are scheduled to tour Australia for a two-Test series later in the World Test Championship cycle before another away assignment in South Africa. Shanto also expressed hope that Bangladesh would continue receiving a broader and more competitive Test calendar moving forward.
“So hopefully, the ICC will give us more Test matches with all the teams. Now that we are getting the chance to play more matches, this is a positive aspect. But if we can play more and better matches with Australia, England, India, of course, it will be better for our team.”
The Bangladesh captain said repeated exposure against stronger opposition and unfamiliar playing environments would be important for the team’s long-term growth in Test cricket.
“Because, as I said, when we get the chance to play matches, when we get those new experiences, the team will slowly build. Otherwise, playing with the same team again and again, playing in the same conditions, it is difficult to actually build a team.”
Bangladesh continue building momentum in Test cricket
Bangladesh became only the second side after Australia to register back-to-back Test series whitewashes over Pakistan following the Sylhet victory.
Pakistan were bowled out for 358 while chasing a target of 437 after Taijul Islam produced match-winning figures of 6-120. Bangladesh were briefly made to wait for the final wickets after Pakistan carried the chase into the final morning before the hosts completed the victory in the opening session of Day 5.
Despite the historic nature of the victory, Shanto insisted Bangladesh still had significant areas requiring improvement as the side continues developing in the longer format.
“But there is still a need for improvement. Overall, I feel very proud as a captain to see the work ethic of every player. Every player worked hard, and everyone contributed to this result.”
The Bangladesh Captain also reflected on how the team handled pressure during the closing stages after Pakistan mounted resistance late on Day 4.
“I think it’s difficult to explain the emotion in the last hour because, honestly, they were batting well and we were a little under pressure, to be very honest. But one thing I will say is that compared to the previous Test matches, I will say that controlling that emotion and not panicking has become a little better.”
Bangladesh recovered strongly in the match after early pressure in the first innings, with Litton Das playing a major role in shifting momentum back toward the hosts through his century.
“So there was a very good communication and I would say that in this Test match, the fact that we won the match, I would say that the biggest credit is I think Liton’s batting at that time, otherwise we would have fallen behind a lot in that first innings.”
Shanto says Bangladesh still have room to improve
Bangladesh have shown visible progress in Test cricket across recent years, particularly in Asian conditions, but Shanto indicated the team’s long-term ambitions will ultimately depend on producing consistent performances both at home and overseas.
“What I always say is that we have to build our Test team slowly, there is still a lot of room for improvement. When we play consistently well at home and abroad, then I would say that our team is better than before.”
