‘Profound joy’ as Tigers come of age
Najmul Hossain Shanto, adjudged the most valuable Bangladesh player of the two-Test series after leading his side to a whitewash over Pakistan, took his prize electric bike for a celebratory spin around the field at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium yesterday. The Bangladesh captain screamed in delight, almost as if he wanted to take flight, and while he initially intended to ride the bike into the press conference, he later composed himself as the fervour subsided.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. “Brother, I was under immense pressure toward the end. That is why the joy feels a little more profound,” said Shanto, whose voice carried the satisfaction of a milestone in Test cricket -- a culmination of 10 days of quality cricket, steadfast patience, and triumph in a gruelling mental test.
Following the 2024 series in Rawalpindi, where they swept Pakistan, Bangladesh replicated that dominance on home soil. This achievement marked the first time any Test nation have whitewashed Pakistan both home and away. Having proven their clear superiority over Pakistan in the format, the Tigers climbed to seventh in the ICC rankings for the first time.
Conditions often dictate the narrative in Test cricket; many observers credited winning the toss as a decisive factor during the Rawalpindi victories. Highlighting their growth, Shanto and company won both matches this time despite losing the toss, demonstrating a high calibre of skill and tactical acumen by embracing the challenges of adverse situations.
Beyond the technicalities of bat and ball, Test cricket remains a psychological battlefield. By outmanoeuvring their opponents, Bangladesh asserted their dominance in that arena as well. The resolve not to concede an inch was palpable. One observer jokingly remarked that the stump microphone was the MVP of the series, as it captured the intensity of the sub-battles occurring within the main contest.
Shanto attributed the success to his side’s ability to respond in key moments and win the mental battles through smart bowling and field placements. “These duels are part of Test cricket; this is its beauty,” he said.
Throughout the series, the Tigers created the gap by remaining clinical in their cricketing craftsmanship and application of strategy. The pace attack, led by Nahid Rana and Taskin Ahmed, outclassed Pakistan's in both speed and skill, while the disparity in the spin department, spearheaded by Taijul Islam, was even more pronounced.
With the bat, the home side found performers who rose to the occasion when it mattered most. Just as Shanto troubled the tourists in the first Test, Mominul Haque remained among the runs. Litton Das stood firm during the direst crisis of the second Test, while the experienced Mushfiqur Rahim shouldered his responsibilities with precision.
Bangladesh, who won eight of their last 16 Tests and drawn one, finished seventh in the previous World Test Championship cycle. Following the series win against Pakistan, they have temporarily climbed to fifth. While maintaining this spot will be a challenge, eclipsing the likes of the West Indies and Pakistan marks a significant step forward.
The captain’s focus is now fixed on sustaining this trajectory against stronger oppositions, with South Africa and Australia tours lined up. “Our ability to play competitive cricket in those challenges is the priority,” said Shanto.
“More important than the result is maintaining the mentality to fight for five days and putting the oppositions to a rigorous test. As captain, I am always thinking about how this progress can be sustained.”
Sylhet Test: Scores in brief
Bangladesh: 1st innings 278 & 2nd innings: 390
Pakistan: 1st innings: 232 & 2nd innings: 358 (Rizwan 94, Salman 71, Shan 71; Taijul 6-120, Nahid 2-71, Shoriful 1-29, Miraz 1-62)
Result: Bangladesh won by 78 runs and won the series 2-0
Player of the match: Litton Das
Player of the series: Mushfiqur Rahim
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