DHAKA, Aug 16, 2026 (BSS) - Despite having a realistic chance of reaching the World Test Championship (WTC) final, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto refused to look that far as he focused on to keep up the good form in the next Test against Australia too.

Bangladesh take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series following a nine-wicket victory in the first Test in Darwin today. They are now on the brink of a historic chance to sweep the series.

However, the outcome of the first Test helped Bangladesh climb to fourth place in the WTC standings with a points percentage of 66.67.

The win was Bangladesh's first Test victory on Australian soil and came after a 23-year wait for another Test in the country.

Bangladesh bowled Australia out for 198 in the first innings before posting 426, with Tanzid Hasan Tamim scoring a century and Hasan Mahmud taking six wickets. Australia were dismissed for 284 in their second innings, leaving Bangladesh a target of 57, which they chased for the loss of one wicket.

The victory lifted Bangladesh's points percentage from 58.33 to 66.67 and moved them into the top four of the WTC table.

Shanto, however, said the team would not get carried away by the possibility of qualifying for the final.

"If you look at the points table, there is definitely a chance. However, as a captain, I always say one thing in the dressing room: don't think too far ahead," Shanto said at the post-match press conference.

"How can we play this series or this Test well, that is important. It was a very big win, the best win in the country's history. However, we are still not an average world team. The Test team is slowly moving towards a good place. There is an opportunity, and we have to use this opportunity."

Bangladesh will now turn their attention to the second and final Test against Australia, beginning on August 22 at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay.

Australia remain top of the WTC standings with 77.78 percentage points from nine Tests, followed by South Africa on 75 and New Zealand on 72.22. India are fifth on 48.15, behind Bangladesh. Sri Lanka, England, Pakistan and West Indies occupy the next four positions.