Bangladesh finished their two-match Test series in Australia level at 1-1, securing a historic victory in the opening match before suffering a heavy defeat in the second.
The Tigers began the series with a nine-wicket win in Darwin, but Australia responded strongly in the final Test, winning by an innings and 51 runs inside two days.
Despite the disappointing finish, Bangladesh chief selector Habibul Bashar Sumon believes winning the opening Test on Australian soil was a significant achievement for the team.
‘We created an opportunity to win the series’
Bashar admitted that Bangladesh had hoped to go further after taking the lead in the series.
“Our expectations were certainly high. We had created an opportunity to win the series,” he said. “But Australia are the No. 1 Test team, and we knew they would give everything in the second match. Realistically, beating them 2-0 would have been a lot to ask. Still, we could have played better cricket.”
Bangladesh reach No. 6 in Test rankings
Bangladesh have also climbed to sixth in the Test rankings for the first time, another milestone that Bashar described as a major achievement.
“It is certainly a huge achievement,” he said. “Not only for us, but for everyone around the world who follows Bangladesh cricket. People are viewing this achievement very positively.”
However, Bashar cautioned against assuming that Bangladesh have already become an elite Test side.
“I wouldn’t say we have become a very good Test team just yet. We still have a long way to go. But we have been able to make a statement,” he said.
‘Bangladesh have made significant progress’
Bashar pointed to Bangladesh’s recent results as evidence that the Test side has steadily improved.
“If you look beyond the Australia series and examine our previous Tests, including the matches against Pakistan, we have been winning Tests more regularly,” he said.
Comparing Bangladesh’s record since 2000 with their performances over the past two years, Bashar said the team has made considerable progress in the longest format.
“We are in a very good position in the World Test Championship,” he said. “We have five very important Tests ahead of us. Let’s see what happens.”
The series draw in Australia leaves Bangladesh with renewed confidence as they continue their campaign in the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle, with qualification for their first-ever final still within reach.
