Shanto puts Pakistan slightly ahead, yet confident Bangladesh

The first match of the Bangladesh-Pakistan bilateral Test series is set to begin tomorrow at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. On the eve of the match, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto addressed the media, outlining the team’s plans and confidence ahead of the contest.

At the press conference, while assessing Pakistan’s traditional pace attack, Shanto acknowledged their strength but still gave a slight edge to Bangladesh’s bowling unit. He expressed confidence in his side’s recent improvements, despite respecting the opposition’s reputation.

He said, ‘Pakistan’s pace bowling is traditionally very strong, there is no doubt about that. However, the way our pacers have been bowling over the last few years, I would say our pace attack might be slightly ahead.’

Shanto also spoke about the return of Taskin Ahmed to red-ball cricket. Although he has not been consistently available due to fitness and injury management, the team management is satisfied with his current preparation.

In this regard, Shanto said, ‘Taskin always wants to play red-ball cricket, but due to fitness and injury management, we cannot always include him. Before this series, after long discussions with the trainer and physio, we received positive feedback about his fitness. When Taskin is in the team, it makes the captain’s job easier and gives the side extra confidence.’

The Bangladesh skipper also expressed optimism about young express pacer Nahid Rana, calling him an added asset for the team.

Shanto said, ‘I have known Rana since his early days and I know how he prepares himself. For a captain, having such a dynamic bowler in the team is always a bonus. He is currently in very good form and I hope he will give his best in the series.’

The same pace attack helped Bangladesh whitewash Pakistan in a two-match Test series in Rawalpindi in 2024. However, Shanto prefers not to dwell on past success, instead focusing on the present process and planning.

He said, ‘Personally, I do not think about big terms like whitewash. My goal is to play competitive cricket in every session of the five days and follow the right process. If the process is right, the results will be positive.’