Photo: Collected

DHAKA, May 12, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto hailed 
his pace attack to help the side seal a memorable 104-run victory over 
Pakistan in the opening Test at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium 
today.

Speaking after the match, Shanto said that the decision to declare 
Bangladesh's second innings despite not stretching the lead beyond 267 was 
driven by confidence in the bowling attack, particularly the pace trio led by 
Nahid Rana and Taskin Ahmed.

"We were clear from the morning on what we wanted to do in batting," Shanto 
said after the match. "Sometimes it is important to take such bold decisions. 
The reason behind taking this decision is our bowling attack."

This was Bangladesh's third straight victory against Pakistan in this format, 
having whitewashed the opponents in two-match series in 2024 in Rawalpindi. 

Bangladesh declared their second innings on 240-9 to set Pakistan a target of 
268 and then wrapped them up for 163 on the final day, with Nahid producing a 
fiery spell that rattled the visitors.

History was also in Bangladesh's side as no team ever has won any game by 
chasing more than 209 runs at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. 

Shanto reserved special praise for Taskin, saying the senior pacer shifted 
momentum immediately after tea on the final day.

"Taskin actually gave the start," Shanto said. "The way he came after tea and 
bowled that four-five over spell brought momentum to us. We know how special 
Rana is and how hard he bowls."

The skipper also admitted he enjoyed seeing Pakistan's batters struggle 
against Nahid's pace.

"It was definitely nice to see how the opponent was scared," he said.

Nahid, who was struck on the helmet by a bouncer from Shaheen Shah Afridi in 
the first innings, later dismissed the Pakistan pacer in the second innings, 
adding another layer to the contest between the two teams' fast bowlers.

"If Rana hits a bouncer, the opponent will also have to hit a bouncer," 
Shanto said with a smile. "It's good that we now have such bowling strength 
with which we can respond."

The Bangladesh captain said the team never considered settling for a draw 
even when Pakistan appeared well-placed during the chase.

"Our message was that we will play to win the game. We never thought about a 
draw or a loss," he said.

Shanto added that Bangladesh's improving fast-bowling resources have changed 
the team's mindset in Test cricket.

"Earlier we didn't have such pace bowlers, but now we do. If we have a good 
bowling attack, it is possible to make any kind of wicket."

Despite scoring 101 and 87 in the match, Shanto felt he could still 
contribute more with the bat.

"If there was a big batsman in my place, maybe 100 would have turned into 
200," he said. "I should have batted better."

The victory gave Bangladesh a strong start in the new World Test Championship 
cycle, though Shanto remained cautious about setting long-term targets.

"Last year we finished seventh. If we can finish four or five this time, that 
would be good. But we still have a lot of room for improvement," he 
concluded.