Bangladesh are set to return to Test cricket for the first time since November 2025, taking on Pakistan in Dhaka this weekend with renewed belief and a strengthened pace attack.
Their previous appearance in the format came during a memorable phase for the team, highlighted by Mushfiqur Rahim becoming the first Bangladeshi to reach 100 Tests and a 2-0 series sweep over Ireland.
Since then, the team has gone through a turbulent period, including a player boycott, their absence from the T20 World Cup, and administrative changes within the Bangladesh Cricket Board. However, recent developments have brought a sense of stability as the side prepares for its first red-ball assignment in six months.
Confidence Built on Recent Form
Bangladesh’s confidence heading into the series stems not from past achievements alone, but from their recent performances and preparations. ODI series wins against Pakistan and New Zealand have provided momentum, while selectors have retained a largely in-form squad featuring their first-choice batters.
Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto emphasized the importance of preparation, drawing parallels with their successful 2024 tour of Pakistan.
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“I think what was best about the 2024 tour was our preparation,” Shanto said. “I remember that our players were very well prepared. In fact, I would say I had never seen such good preparation in my time as a cricketer. At the same time, I thought we played some great cricket. I think the way we came back from 26 for 6 [in the second Test in Rawalpindi] was unbelievable. So I think these two factors were highlights of that tour.
“I think we are preparing well again. Even those who have not been in the white-ball teams are in training for a long time. I think it is possible for us to win the series this time too, provided we work extremely hard over the ten days. I don’t want to look that far forward. It is important to play good cricket every day. If we can ensure that, we will have a good Test series.”
Leadership and Experience Key to Bangladesh’s Plans
Shanto described his captaincy as an ongoing learning process, highlighting the importance of focusing on controllable aspects of the game while relying on senior players for guidance.
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“To be very honest, I am enjoying my captaincy,” Shanto said. “I wouldn’t be in this job if I wasn’t enjoying the role. It is quite normal for a cricketer to go through a lot. It is essential to stay within what you can control; there’s no point thinking about what you can’t control.
“Captaincy relates to a lot of technical things like field placements and bowling changes that come into play especially during crunch moments. I think I did those things quite well in the 2024 series [against Pakistan]. There will now be new plans for the new challenges in the shape of a set of new cricketers in the opposition. I think my biggest advantage are the experienced cricketers in the side like Mushfiq bhai, Mominul [Haque] bhai and Taijul [Islam] bhai. They are always happy to give me inputs.”
Pace Attack Emerging as a Major Strength
Bangladesh’s fast-bowling unit will once again be central to their plans, led by Taskin Ahmed alongside Nahid Rana, Shoriful Islam and Ebadot Hossain.
Taskin highlighted the depth and variety within the pace attack, crediting improved consistency and teamwork.
“It is by the grace of the almighty that so many fast bowlers are coming up in Bangladesh,” Taskin said. “We have a great variety of fast bowling. We have guys like Mustafiz[ur Rahman], myself, Rana, Shoriful, Ebadot and Hasan Mahmud. All of us can bowl match-winning spells.
“It is all about our rhythm, so we try to make the best of the day when we are in good rhythm. Since our quality has improved, we have become more consistent. Bowling partnerships have become much better, which is a very important aspect in the overall growth.”
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He also reflected on the collective growth of the unit and the importance of maintaining strong team bonds.
“I think it all started with my comeback during the Covid days,” Taskin said. “Everyone saw how hard work and process can make anything happen. Everybody started to follow the same path. We became consistent regarding the process. We also have a strong bond off the field. We are having dinner together, we are going out together, we share each other’s experience.”
Turning White-Ball Form Into Test Success
Bangladesh’s 2024 Test series win over Pakistan remains a defining moment, with contributions across the squad, including Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s all-round performances.
Replicating that success will require another collective effort. While Shanto has regained form and the pace attack has impressed in white-ball cricket, the challenge will be translating that momentum into the longer format.
If Bangladesh can combine preparation, form and discipline, the upcoming series in Dhaka could mark another significant chapter in their Test journey.
