After a disappointing World Cup performance, supporters had soured on the team, and notable stars were absent. However, the players maintained their confidence and resilience.


In Sylhet, Taijul Islam, often overlooked, emerged as Bangladesh's primary hero.

Najmul Hossain Shanto and Taijul Islam descended the stairs from the picturesque Bangladesh dressing room towards the post-match presentation area in a leisurely manner. The typically crowded zone, situated between the dressing room and presentation area in Bangladeshi stadiums, was nearly deserted. In the tranquil setting of Sylhet at 11 am, Bangladesh's impressive victory over New Zealand was gradually registering.

After the customary end-of-match procedures in the dressing room, only Shanto and Taijul emerged. Mushfiqur Rahim briefly observed from the window, and the team displayed minimal overt celebration. The 18,000-capacity stadium echoed with emptiness.

Selector Habibul Bashar and media manager Rabeed Imam stood near the Bangladesh dugout, speculating on the potential recipient of the Player-of-the-Match award. Bashar, the former captain, leaned towards Taijul for his impressive 10-wicket performance but acknowledged Shanto's impactful century on the third day. "You can't overlook Shanto's innings; he set us on the path to victory," he remarked with a hint of humor.

Bashar, known for his jovial nature, couldn't resist a self-deprecating punchline, noting his distinction as the only captain to receive a pair on captaincy debut. Laughter echoed, and congratulatory messages flowed in.

While the victory may appear subdued, its significance reverberates within and outside the dressing room. Contrasting Sylhet with the World Cup debacle underscores the magnitude of the turnaround. Bangladesh's dismal seven-loss performance in India led to disillusioned fans even calling off planned protests at Dhaka airport. The indifference was evident.

Drawing parallels with the triumph in Mount Maunganui last year reveals a familiar pattern. After a disappointing T20 World Cup and a disastrous home series against Pakistan, Bangladesh, plagued by injuries, went unnoticed until they orchestrated a remarkable victory in New Zealand.

The Sylhet win may not have the aura of a miracle, but rebounding from a dismal World Cup was no easy feat. Absence of the regular captain and vice-captain, coupled with missing key pacers and an injured senior opener, presented formidable challenges.


Bangladesh secured the top three partnerships of the match, notably Mushfiqur Rahim and Najmul Hossain Shanto's significant collaboration, posting a stand of 98 on the third day.

Irrespective of circumstances, the stand-in captain delivered a crucial century, a young opener notched a fifty, and an uncelebrated left-arm spinner, often underestimated, claimed 10 wickets.

Expressing satisfaction with the team's effort against a top Test side, Shanto, the captain, emphasized the importance of remembering the successful strategies employed in this game.

Winning his first Test as captain, Shanto highlighted the team's adherence to the plan, stating, "We played a good game. Winning against any team, anywhere, is a great feeling. Beating a team like them, who won the first World Test Championship, boosts our confidence. Our belief is growing slowly, and remembering these victories will elevate our performance in Tests."

Shanto emphasized that the dressing-room atmosphere remained unchanged post-World Cup, acknowledging the external reactions would fluctuate based on results. "Nothing has changed since the World Cup. We focus on the process and don't dwell on external opinions. Whether it's praise or criticism, it's beyond our control. We won today, but it wasn't a perfect game. We'll discuss our mistakes and move forward."

Throughout the game, Bangladesh's on-field communication echoed due to the absence of a crowd, reflecting both their enjoyment and the performance's quality.

"We were a bit more excited as we were playing well," Shanto noted. "Everyone enjoyed these four-and-a-half days. It's crucial how we handle and relish pressure and challenging moments. It's disappointing that our fans aren't keen on Test matches, but our motivation comes from within. We focused on winning the game rather than dwelling on who watched or didn't."


Shanto acknowledged Taijul's precision and effectiveness over extended spells, crediting him as one of the best Test bowlers in recent years. Taijul's remarkable performance included four wickets in the first innings and a six-for in the second, with crucial dismissals like removing Kane Williamson twice.

"He is one of the best Test bowlers in recent years," Shanto praised. "His strength is to bowl in one spot for a long time. I tried to use him for long from one end with this belief. We didn't plan anything different. He just wanted to bowl for a long time from one end."

Taijul, expressing satisfaction, highlighted the significance of beating New Zealand twice in two years under different conditions. "We believed in our process throughout this game and thought that we would attack as soon as we get into a winning position."

While celebrating the Sylhet victory, Taijul emphasized the need to replicate their performance in Dhaka for a successful Test series. "There has to be some form of celebrations after such a big win," Taijul said. "We celebrated on the field and in the dressing room. But yes, it is not the end of the series. We have to do well in Dhaka, and then we will see what happens."

The victory was a collective effort, evident in both batting and bowling partnerships. Bangladesh secured the three highest batting partnerships, including the pivotal 98-run stand between Mushfiqur Rahim and Shanto. In the bowling department, Taijul, Mehidy, and Nayeem Hasan collaborated effectively. Mominul Haque's three wickets in the first innings also played a crucial role.

These partnerships, missing in the World Cup, highlighted the need for a team effort. Despite having big stars, Bangladesh faced criticism and fan backlash during the tournament. The arrival of New Zealand in Bangladesh shortly after the World Cup went unnoticed. The team faced social media vilification, but the memorable victory in Sylhet showcased their resilience and unity.