Najmul Hossain Shanto Hails Historic Sweep

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto expressed that their historic clean sweep of Pakistan has brought much-needed joy to the nation amidst difficult times. He hopes the victory will lift spirits back home, where the country has been facing political turmoil and severe floods.

Bangladesh's two-Test series win came at a time of national distress, with the country grappling with political unrest and widespread flooding. Najmul reflected on the significance of the win, stating that it could bring smiles to the faces of people enduring hardship. Following the six-wicket win in the second Test, Najmul shared that this victory was especially meaningful given the challenges the country had recently faced. He remarked, "People have gone through many difficulties in the past few days, whether it be floods or protests. I hope this win brings them some happiness."

This victory was only Bangladesh's third overseas Test series win, following successes in the West Indies in 2009 and Zimbabwe in 2021, making it both an emotional and important moment for the team. Najmul described the triumph as one of the most significant achievements in Bangladesh's cricket history, calling it a proud moment for the team and fans alike.

Najmul acknowledged that the win would bring joy to cricket-loving fans in Bangladesh, who continue to support the team through victories and defeats. He expressed gratitude for the unwavering support and shared that the team wanted to give back by achieving something special for their country.

He credited the team’s belief in their ability to stage comebacks from difficult situations, as they did in both Tests. In the first Test, Bangladesh faced a tough situation after Pakistan posted a massive 448, but in the second, they recovered from a perilous 26 for 6, with crucial contributions from Litton Das and Mehidy Hasan Miraz.

Najmul highlighted that self-belief was key to their success. He explained that the team’s confidence in their depth, especially with players like Miraz batting at number eight, played a crucial role in their ability to turn the game around. He highlighted Miraz and Litton’s pivotal partnership, crediting their determination for pulling the team back from the brink.

He admitted that the team was under pressure after losing six quick wickets but noted that Miraz and Litton had assured the team that they would stabilise the innings. Their partnership shifted the momentum and allowed Bangladesh to gain control of the game. Najmul also praised the bowling unit for reading the conditions better than their opponents, which helped them gain an advantage.