• Home
  • Who Said What
  • If We Can Play Upto Shanto Shows Confidence Of Having A Strong Wtc Cycle Start Vs Sl

"If We Can Play Upto...": Shanto Shows Confidence Of Having A Strong WTC Cycle Start vs SL

Rajgeeta Yadav

Najmul Hossain Shanto [Source: @TheYorkerBall/X.com]Najmul Hossain Shanto [Source: @TheYorkerBall/X.com]

Bangladesh are all set to play a two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, starting June 17, 2025, at the Galle International Stadium. This series will also mark the beginning of the new 2025–27 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle for both teams.

The last time Bangladesh played a Test series was against Zimbabwe at home in April, which ended in a draw. Now, with a fresh start ahead, Bangladesh’s Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto shared his thoughts and said he feels confident going into the series.

Confident Najmul Shanto Looks Ahead To Sri Lanka Test Challenge

Speaking to the media before the team left for Sri Lanka, Shanto told reporters on Thursday, as quoted by Cricbuzz, he said

"We did really badly in home Tests in the previous WTC cycle. We have to win more at home. We have to do more specific planning at home. Playing well overseas gives us more confidence. If we can combine the both, we can have a better WTC cycle." 

Looking back at the previous WTC cycle (2023–25), Bangladesh won four out of 12 matches. Impressively, three of those wins came in away matches. However, they had a tough time at home, winning just one out of six Tests and losing the rest. This poor home performance affected their overall ranking.

"We are a more confident unit after winning four Tests in the last WTC cycle. We need that extra confidence against Sri Lanka who are a strong team. If we can play up to our capability, we can start well in this cycle," he added..

The first Test will take place in Galle on June 17, and the second match will be played on June 25 at the Singhalese Sports Club in Colombo. After the Tests, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will also play three ODIs and three T20Is, with the tour ending on July 16.

Notably, the first Test will also be an emotional one for Sri Lanka as it will be the farewell match of their veteran player, Angelo Mathews.