Series Sweep Against Pakistan Gives Bangladesh Confidence Before India Tour, Says Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto

New Delhi: Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto stated their historic series win against Pakistan will give them confidence ahead of the India series starting later this month. Bangladesh completed a six-wicket victory in the second Test on Tuesday to complete a 2-0 series sweep. It was also Bangladesh’s first Test series win against Pakistan in history.
Needing 143 more runs on the final day with 10 wickets in hand, Bangladesh knocked them off for the loss of four wickets when Shakib Al Hasan hit the winning boundary. Bangladesh recorded only their second bilateral series win of two or more Tests away from home; the last was against the West Indies in 2009. The tourists won the opening Test by 10 wickets.
“Next series is very important and this win gives us a lot of confidence. We have a lot of experience in Mushi and Shakib, and they will be important in India,” Shanto said during the post-match presentation ceremony. Bangladesh will tour India for a two-match Test series, starting on September 19.
It was Pakistan’s sixth defeat in their last 10 Tests at home and this was also the first time Bangladesh have beaten their neighbours in a Test and series. Bangladesh was 26?6 in the first innings but Litton Das and Mehidy Hasan Miraz led a gallant recovery. Fast bowlers Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana and Taskin Ahmed dismissed Pakistan for 172 in the second innings to leave Bangladesh a victory target of 184 in four sessions.
The Bangladesh top order showed plenty of resilience to flatten Pakistan plans of a dramatic comeback, with meaningful contributions from opener Zakir Hasan (40), Shanto (38) and Mominul Haque (34). They extended Pakistan’s miserable home record in Tests to 10 matches without a win.
Pakistan’s last home win was in December 2021 against South Africa at Rawalpindi. Shan Masood has suffered a second consecutive clean sweep since he was elevated to the Test skipper last year, having lost to Australia 3-0. Shanto also praised his boys for the win. “Means a lot, can’t express in words. Really happy.
“We were looking to win here and very happy with the way everyone has done their job. Very impressive, the work ethic of our pacers was great and that’s why we got the result. Everyone is honest with themselves and they want to win, I hope they continue. Joy missed out because of a niggle, and the way Shadman batted in the first Test was excellent. And even Zakir in this Test, came out positve and got us the momentum,” he added.