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Najmul Shanto Eyes Winning Start For Bangladesh In WTC At Spin-Haven Galle Vs SL

Aakash Saini

Najmul Hossain Shanto [Source: @BCBtigers/x]Najmul Hossain Shanto [Source: @BCBtigers/x]

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto is confident of making a strong start to the new World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle with a composed performance in Galle. The cricketer will be seen leading the Bangladesh team against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium between Tuesday, June 17 and Saturday, June 21 in the first Test of a two-match series.

Shanto emphasised the importance of setting a positive tone in the WTC by harnessing familiar spin-friendly conditions and collective belief in Galle.

Shanto Embraces Galle Challenge, Backs Top-Order

A day prior to the series-opening first Test match in Galle, visiting captain Najmul Hossain Shanto expressed confidence in making a strong start to Bangladesh’s WTC 2025-27 cycle with a commanding performance in Sri Lanka. The cricketer also emphasised the importance of his team’s top order scoring runs, and said that the series offers a “great opportunity” to pull off something special for them.

While speaking with the reporters and as quoted by Cricbuzz, he said:

“It is very important to start the WTC in a positive note. We had good preparation back home. I hope we can start the competition very well. We have good memories in Sri Lanka, which will be helpful but every series is a new beginning. The top order has to provide the team with a good start. We have a good squad here, so it will be a great opportunity to do something special here.”

Najmul Hossain Shanto said that while spinners may pose a lot of challenges to the batters in Galle, his team is aware of the fact that runs can be scored here in the first couple of days. He added:

“There will be challenges for the batters as spinners take a lot of wickets in this venue. But we also have to consider that there are a lot of runs here in the first 2-3 days. We have to bat well. We are enjoying each other's company despite all the challenges.”

Bangladesh recently trounced Zimbabwe by an innings and 106 runs to level their two-match series at home. They also thrashed West Indies in the Caribbean late last year to secure two wins in their last three Tests.

On a trail of positive momentum, Bangladesh will face Sri Lanka in the two-match series between June 17 and June 29 in Galle and Colombo.