Dhaka: Emboldened by their recent away form, Bangladesh: captain Najmul Hossain Shanto expressed confidence in posing a formidable challenge to hosts Sri Lanka in the upcoming two-match Test series. Shanto and his team will commence their new cycle of the World Test Championship (WTC) with these two Tests.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, in the last WTC cycle that ran from 2023 to 2025, Bangladesh secured four victories, with three wins occurring away from home, including a 2-0 series whitewash against Pakistan. This success marked their best result in WTC history, ultimately placing them in the seventh position. "We have shown gradual progress in WTC history. We did win just one match in the 2021-2023 cycle but managed to secure four wins in the last cycle," Shanto stated.
Shanto acknowledged the team's challenges in home Tests during the previous cycle, where they won just one match. However, he emphasized the confidence gained from their away performances, particularly as they prepare for the Sri Lanka Tests. He noted that improving their home performance is essential to enhance their overall standing in the WTC. "We have to do more specific planning at home. Playing well overseas gives us more confidence. If we can combine both, we can have a better WTC cycle," he added, highlighting the psychological boost from past successes in Sri Lanka.
Reflecting on their previous achievements, Shanto mentioned the significance of winning their 100th Test match in Sri Lanka. He believes a positive result in the upcoming series will further enhance their rankings, with aspirations to finish fourth or fifth this time. "We have an opportunity to do something special in their conditions. Last time, we finished seventh in the WTC. So now the target is to be around 4th, 5th, or 6th," Shanto explained.
Shanto emphasized the importance of starting strong in Sri Lanka, building on the confidence from their four victories in the last WTC cycle. He stressed the need for improved performance in the first innings and highlighted the efforts of the team to regain form and score more runs in the top order. Shanto expressed satisfaction with the squad selected for the Sri Lanka Tests, noting the balanced composition of pacers and spinners.
The return of fast bowler Ebadot Hossain, after a two-year injury absence, was also a positive development for the team. "I think we have missed Ebadot for a long time. He got injured at the peak of his form," Shanto commented, appreciating the additional strength Ebadot brings to the squad.
Bangladesh is set to depart for Colombo tomorrow, following a two-day practice session and an intra-squad match to prepare for the series. The practice sessions suggest that Shanto may open the innings in the Tests. "I am prepared to bat in any position. We have other top-order batters, so we have options," Shanto stated confidently.