‘Cricketers look for references, now we have one’ – Najmul Hossain Shanto hopes to build on Pakistan triumph

Najmul Hossain Shanto. (Photo source: X(Twitter)

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto asserted that his side’s historic Test series win against Pakistan has given the team the belief that they can win away from home.

Ahead of the upcoming tour of India, Bangladesh scripted history in Rawalpindi as they whitewashed Pakistan 2-0 in a two-match Test series. This monumental result catapulted Bangladesh to No. 4 in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings. Now, the challenge only intensifies as the Tigers are set to lock horns in a two-match Test series against table-toppers India. However, Shanto is hopeful that the unprecedented series triumph against Pakistan will serve as a huge motivation for his players.

“One word: belief. It feels great when you are winning. It is important to enjoy these moments. I think such a moment has never come in the Bangladesh team’s history. Cricketers look for references. Now we have one. We know that we have the ability to win abroad,” Shanto told ESPNCricinfo.

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We will surely have the belief that we can win: Shanto

Shanto said that he believed that his team would do well in Pakistan after witnessing the hard work his players had put in. The Southpaw feels that after the Pakistan result, his players have the same belief that they can come out victorious.

“The next time we play, I don’t know about the result, but we will surely have the belief that we can win. I said the same thing in the press conference on the first day [when asked about Bangladesh’s dismal record in Pakistan] that records are meant to be broken. It was from my belief after seeing how hard the players worked,” Shanto stated.

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The first Test between India and Bangladesh will be held at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, starting on Thursday, September 19. Meanwhile, the second Test will be played at the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur, beginning on Friday, September 27.