Can Bangladesh reach WTC finals? Najmul Shanto refuses to feel the pressure of history

Bangladesh are aiming to qualify for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final for the first time in their history, but captain Najmul Hossain Shanto insists the prospect is more inspirational than pressure. The Tigers have strengthened their position with encouraging performances in the ongoing 2025-27 cycle, including a historic Test win in Australia before tying the two-game series 1-1.

Bangladesh currently ranks fourth in the WTC rankings behind Australia, South Africa and New Zealand. With the crucial home Tests against the West Indies looming, Shant’s side have an opportunity to strengthen their position and keep their maiden finals appearance within reach.

“It’s not pressure for me, it’s inspiring (to be in the top four) and I think it’s inspiring that such scenarios are happening in Test cricket. I wouldn’t call it pressure because ever since we started preparations or started discussing this series, we’ve focused on how we’ve played Test cricket in the last few series and indeed in the last few years,” Shanto told reporters.

“We don’t want to do anything extra; we just want to stick to our process. I’m not asking for any extra effort from anyone. While it’s certainly a very important series, our goal is just to follow our established process. The same one that gets us results,” he said.

HOW CAN BANGLADESH REACH WTC FINAL

Bangladesh’s fourth place finish gives them a real chance to challenge for the top two spots required to qualify for the finals. Australia, South Africa and New Zealand currently occupy three positions above them, while India is outside the top four.

The immediate priority for Bangladesh is to make the most of the home advantage against the West Indies. They have won three, lost two and drawn one of the six Tests in the current cycle, giving them a points percentage of 55.56.

West Indies, currently eighth in the order, offer Bangladesh an opportunity to pick up valuable points. However, the Tigers must avoid complacency, especially with a tough away series against South Africa also remaining in their schedule. Consistent performances in the remaining fixtures will be crucial to their qualification hopes.

Bangladesh will open their two-Test home series against the West Indies with the first Test in Mirpur from October 28 to November 1, followed by the second Test in Sylhet from November 5 to 9.

– The end