Mushtaq Sets Sights on World Test Championship Final

There was a time when winning even a single Test match on foreign soil seemed like a distant dream for Bangladesh. Leaving that familiar reality behind, Najmul Hossain Shanto’s team is now looking to create a new equation on the global stage and compete for the ultimate prize in Test cricket. Following landmark victories over Pakistan in Rawalpindi and a historic achievement in Australia, Bangladesh have emerged as a vastly improved side in the longest format of the game.

This remarkable progress in recent times has boosted the confidence of every member of the team. The representatives of the red and green are now setting their sights on the World Test Championship final. A significant change has also taken place in the mindset of Bangladesh’s former and current cricketers, as well as the team management. This was reflected in the words of the team’s Pakistani spin coach, Mushtaq Ahmed.

In the ongoing World Test Championship campaign, Bangladesh have played six matches across three series, winning one and drawing another. According to the statistics, the team have collected 40 points and earned 55.56 percent of the available points, keeping Najmul Hossain Shanto’s side in fourth place in the World Test Championship standings. To secure a place in the final, Bangladesh will have to finish in one of the top two positions in the points table.

Bangladesh still have three full Test series remaining in their quest to qualify for the final. Along with hosting the West Indies and England at home, Bangladesh will also travel to South Africa, giving them a total of six more matches to play.

According to calculations by cricket analysts, if Bangladesh can win at least four of those six matches, their chances of reaching the final will become significantly brighter. If they can also secure a draw in one of the remaining matches, the qualification equation could shift entirely in their favor.

Considering the team’s consistent performances and statistical possibilities, spin coach Mushtaq Ahmed is dreaming big about the Tigers. Speaking to the media about Bangladesh’s strong possibility of reaching the World Test Championship final, the former Pakistan leg-spinner sounded highly optimistic.

“ InshaAllah! Why not (the Test Championship final)? We are in a very good position now. So if we can play good cricket and keep believing, then InshaAllah, this is the right time to go all the way.”

The coach has placed particular emphasis on changing the players’ mindset, reminding them that tactics and skills alone are not enough to win matches. According to him, it is almost impossible to take on a powerhouse in international cricket or snatch victory from them while carrying the fear of failure in one’s mind.

Praising the players for their dedication and courageous approach on the field, Mushtaq Ahmed made it clear that overcoming the fear of defeat can allow any team to put even a strong opponent on the back foot. Speaking about the team’s positive transformation, he predicted a bright future, saying:

“I am very happy with the boys. I am working with a bunch of boys who try to win against any team. InshaAllah, you will see that if we can maintain the same mindset and move forward without being afraid of losing, then we can challenge any team.”