Pace is power in Test cricket, and Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto is beginning to reap its rewards. With Bangladesh’s 104-run win over Pakistan in the first Test in Mirpur, Shanto equalled Mushfiqur Rahim as the captain with the most Test wins for the Tigers, with seven victories.
If Bangladesh can secure another win in the second Test, beginning tomorrow in Sylhet, Shanto will become the most successful Test captain in the country’s history.
Just how much Bangladesh are now banking on their pace resurgence may be reflected in Sylhet. A green top greeted both teams during practice sessions at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, suggesting the Tigers are committed to a strategy of utilising their pace attack alongside their experienced spin unit.
The Mirpur pitch also had a green tinge, though its sporting nature unfolded gradually over five days. And, on the final day, Bangladesh’s pacers truly burst into action, claiming seven wickets in Pakistan’s second innings to seal victory.
This resurgent pace attack is increasingly shaping Bangladesh’s Test identity. What began under former captain Mominul Haque -- who showed greater faith in pace than any of his predecessors -- is now bearing fruit under Shanto. While Mushfiqur needed 34 Tests to collect seven wins as captain, Shanto has matched that tally in just 17 matches.
Under Mominul, Bangladesh secured arguably their greatest Test triumph, defeating New Zealand at Mount Maunganui in 2022, with Ebadot Hossain taking six wickets in the second innings.
That win became something of a blueprint: batters absorbing pressure, spinners playing their part, and pacers delivering the decisive blows.
From that breakthrough victory to last year’s historic away wins over Pakistan in Rawalpindi under Shanto, Bangladesh’s Test side has remained focused on evolving. Under Shanto’s leadership, Bangladesh’s pacers have taken 21 wickets in away Test wins and 91 wickets overall.
Even with Mehidy Hasan Miraz standing in as skipper for an injured Shanto during Bangladesh’s two-match Test tour of the West Indies in 2024, the pacers accounted for 25 of the 40 wickets taken in the series.
Meanwhile, Shanto himself has enjoyed a resurgence with the bat. He averages 40.1 as captain, compared to a career average of just over 34, with five of his nine Test hundreds coming while leading the side.
Mominul, too, has rediscovered consistency, even if the big scores have yet to arrive, while Mushfiqur remains a vital pillar of the batting lineup, anchoring the side with his experience.
During the celebrations after the Mirpur win, Shanto highlighted the importance of continuous self-improvement, pointing to how Mushfiqur constantly pushes teammates to raise their standards.
That mindset is being reinforced by the coaching staff. Rewards have been introduced across departments, with Shanto and Litton Das recognised for their fielding efforts in the first Test against Pakistan.
“A good message for all is that recognition brings energy,” stand-in fielding coach Ashikur Rahman said yesterday. “We look for joy, inspiration and reward in everything we do.”
Joy can be contagious, and so can belief. When Bangladesh’s pacers are firing, they energise the team -- not only tactically, but also mentally. As the fast bowlers gather momentum, so too does Bangladesh’s growing Test solidity under Shanto.
