Najmul Hossain Shanto Reflects on Bangladesh's Top-Order Struggles Following Heavy Defeat

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has expressed concern over the persistent failures of his team’s top order after suffering a heavy innings defeat to South Africa in Chattogram. The home side succumbed to an innings-and-273-run loss, dismissed for a mere 159 and 143 in their two innings, totaling just 302 runs—marking the lowest aggregate by any team at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, known for its favorable batting conditions.

South Africa dominated the match, amassing 575 for 6 in their first innings before Bangladesh's batting collapse. Shanto highlighted that unless the team starts forming solid partnerships at the top of the order, similar defeats are likely to continue. "We have been batting like this for a long time," he stated. "If you don’t get top-order partnerships, the rest of the batters will find it difficult in red-ball cricket. This was a good wicket; we shouldn’t have been bowled out so quickly."

The captain noted that despite individual performances, such as Mominul Haque's 82 in the first innings, the lack of support from other top-order batsmen has contributed to the team’s struggles. The lower order has occasionally provided resilience, as seen in the 138-run seventh-wicket partnership between Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Jaker Ali in Dhaka and a 103-run ninth-wicket stand in Chattogram. However, Shanto emphasized that these late-order contributions merely mask deeper issues within the batting lineup.

"Top-order runs will ensure consistent performance from the team," he remarked, underscoring the need for the top order to step up. He also acknowledged that his own batting struggles have been part of the problem, having scored only one fifty in his last 17 Test innings since becoming captain in February. His scores of 9 and 36 in Chattogram were disappointing, with Shanto admitting, "I am getting out between 20 and 40. It is not good for the team. I have to concentrate more in my batting."

Despite the challenges, Shanto conveyed his enjoyment of captaincy, asserting that it hasn't negatively impacted his batting. However, he has communicated to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Faruque Ahmed that he is open to stepping down as captain. "I have always said that I enjoy captaincy on the field. I never felt that I am the captain when I am batting," he said, suggesting a desire for clarity regarding his leadership status.

Shanto pointed out that distractions surrounding the team, including discussions about his captaincy, could have affected performance. The BCB recently sacked head coach Chandika Hathurusinghe, and Shakib Al Hasan was unable to play a farewell Test due to safety concerns amid protests in Dhaka. "Players have to adjust to these things, even though it is difficult. Still, it shouldn't be this bad. We have to improve our skills and change our thinking," he stated.

With South Africa completing a 2-0 series victory after winning the first Test in Dhaka, Shanto and his team face critical decisions moving forward, as they seek to address the issues plaguing their batting order and restore confidence in their performance on the international stage.