Bangladesh’s Test cricket growth hinges on experience and partnerships in 2026

Bangladesh’s Test cricket progress relies on experienced players and strong partnerships despite system challenges.

Shift in Bangladesh’s Test experience Over the past five years, Bangladesh lost key senior players like Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal, and Mahmudullah, who collectively earned 191 Test caps. Yet, this period saw the rise of a new group of experienced cricketers, with Mushfiqur Rahim serving as the link between the old and new eras. His milestone of 101 Test matches was evident in his performance during the Dhaka Test, except for a humorous moment involving Mominul Haque’s moped. The moped reportedly bore the weight of 177 Test caps, as Mominul had played 76 matches himself. ## Depth of experience fuels steady progress Bangladesh’s Test cricket has steadily improved since the pandemic, partly due to the depth of experience in the squad. Litton Das, Taijul Islam, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz have each played over 50 Tests, contributing to the team’s consistency. The contrast with Pakistan highlights this gap: while Babar Azam has played 61 Tests for Pakistan, no other player from their side has reached 50 caps. Bangladesh’s XI in Dhaka boasted a total of 511 Test caps compared to Pakistan’s 353, a disparity that often becomes clear under pressure. ## Key partnerships rebuild after early setback Bangladesh faced an early setback in the Dhaka Test, collapsing to 31 for 2 on the first morning. Najmul Shanto and Mominul Haque calmly rebuilt the innings, putting together a 170-run partnership for the third wicket. Shanto played a more aggressive role, driving the ball effectively, while Mominul took a more measured approach, ensuring his partner faced more deliveries. This balance shifted after Shanto slowed down, with Mominul then seizing the opportunity to target loose deliveries as Pakistan’s bowlers adjusted their tactics. ## Consistent batting sets up declaration Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das maintained Bangladesh’s momentum on the second morning, replicating their first-innings effort. Starting from a similar 23 for 2, they added 105 runs for the third wicket, a crucial partnership that reinforced the team’s dominance. Mominul showed greater initiative in the second innings, pushing for a commanding lead and an early declaration. The scoring rates in both innings were comparable, with Mominul averaging 45.50 and 46.66, while Shanto scored at 77.69 and 58.00. ## Bowling partnerships turn the tide After the Dhaka Test, Najmul Shanto emphasized the importance of bowling partnerships, highlighting how bowlers must support each other during spells. On the third day, Taskin Ahmed and Mehidy Hasan Miraz combined to take four wickets in a brief spell, halting Pakistan’s progress from 210 for 1 to 230 for 5. This collapse forced Pakistan to rebuild, falling short of Bangladesh’s 413-run target. On the final day, Taskin, Taijul Islam, and Rana combined to dismiss key batters, while Mehidy and Taijul tightened their grip midday, aiming to restrict runs and induce false shots. ## New and experienced bowlers share the load Rana is a relatively new face in the squad, but Taijul, Mehidy, and Taskin bring extensive experience to the bowling attack. Their combined efforts proved decisive in turning matches in Bangladesh’s favor. While experience often proves decisive, other bowlers like Shadman Islam, Ebadot Hossain, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, and Zakir Hasan still seek greater consistency. Mahmudul and Shadman struggled with footwork in Dhaka, though Shadman was dismissed by high-quality deliveries. Ebadot, wicketless in both innings, has shown improvement compared to three seasons ago. ## System challenges overshadow progress Bangladesh’s progress in Test cricket has unfolded despite structural shortcomings rather than because of them. The team’s current Test culture appears almost accidental, a byproduct of the players’ resilience rather than a well-supported system. This makes upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) series in Australia and South Africa less than ideal. Australia has hosted only two Tests since 2003, while South Africa has played eight with no wins. To secure a strong WTC standing, Bangladesh must rely on home Tests against West Indies and England. ## Rahim and Shanto lead the way forward Mushfiqur Rahim, Najmul Shanto, Taskin Ahmed, and their teammates are not miracle workers but dedicated cricketers navigating a flawed system. They aim to meet the expectations of one of cricket’s most demanding fan bases. Their strengths lie in experience and partnerships, both with the bat and ball, which have become their trademarks. For now, their focus is on securing another series win against Pakistan, though tougher challenges await in the future.