Bangladesh captain Nigar Shanto emphasizes the importance of bold tactical decisions after declaring in the match against Pakistan.
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has defended his team’s decision to declare at lunch on the fifth day of the second Test against Zimbabwe, describing it as a “brave” move that aimed to give his bowlers a realistic chance of victory.
Speaking after the match, which Bangladesh won by 114 runs, Shanto acknowledged the risks but insisted the declaration was crucial in a pitch that had deteriorated significantly over the course of the game.
“We had to take a brave decision,” he said, stressing that the team’s intent was to apply pressure rather than preserve a draw.
The declaration came shortly after he reached his century, a milestone that he admitted could have been transformed into a larger contribution had conditions allowed.
Shanto’s century, his second in as many Tests, was a highlight of Bangladesh’s first innings but he admitted feeling frustrated that he couldn’t extend it further.
“I felt good at the crease but the conditions weren’t easy,” he explained, referring to the variable bounce and early movement that troubled both batting line-ups.
Despite his individual effort, Shanto recognised that the team’s focus remained on the match situation rather than personal milestones.
“The declaration was more important than any individual score,” he said, adding that the declaration reflected the team’s aggressive approach under his leadership.
The declaration strategy paid off as Bangladesh’s spinners, led by off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz, exploited the turning pitch to skittle out Zimbabwe for 152 in their second innings.
Miraz finished with figures of 6 for 67, while left-arm spinner Taijul Islam claimed three wickets to complete a match haul of eight wickets.
Shanto praised his bowling unit’s adaptability, noting how they adjusted their lengths and angles to exploit the rough outside the right-hander’s off stump.
“The pitch was doing a lot, but our bowlers stayed disciplined,” he said, crediting their ability to seize the moment when Zimbabwe collapsed from 101 for 3 to 152 all out.
Looking ahead, Shanto hinted that Bangladesh will continue to prioritise bold decisions in Tests, even if they carry short-term risks.
“We are building a team that backs itself,” he said, underlining the importance of confidence in their ability to chase targets or set ones.
With the series now levelled at 1-1, Shanto sees the momentum shifting in Bangladesh’s favour ahead of the final Test.
“Every game is a learning experience,” he concluded, “but we are taking the right steps.”