Bangladesh are determined to take a giant stride towards their maiden World Test Championship (WTC) final as they face visiting West Indies in the opening Test of the two-match series at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium tomorrow (Wednesday).
Currently fourth in the WTC standings, Bangladesh need to win at least four of their remaining six matches and draw one to keep their hopes of reaching the final for the first time alive.
The task appears challenging, with Bangladesh scheduled to tour South Africa and host England in their final two series of the current WTC cycle after the West Indies assignment.
However, a series victory over West Indies could put Bangladesh in a favourable position. The visitors are currently eighth in the standings, making the hosts favourites on paper.
Bangladesh’s recent performances, however, have been inconsistent despite their historic Test series victory over Australia. They began the year with a 2-0 series win over Pakistan before drawing 1-1 in Australia. In between, they suffered a defeat against Zimbabwe in a one-off Test, while Afghanistan held them to a draw in their most recent Test, surviving four sessions.
Fortunately for Bangladesh, neither the Zimbabwe nor the Afghanistan Test counted towards the WTC standings.
Bangladesh’s struggles continued in the subsequent ODI tri-series, where they lost to both Afghanistan and Zimbabwe.
Head coach Phil Simmons, however, believes the ambition of reaching the WTC final will keep his players motivated, adding that the disappointing result against Afghanistan would not affect their preparations.
“I think everyone is very focused on the Test match. I think there’s that goal and that desire to play in the World Test Championship final, and this is the first time we’ve had that opportunity to be there. I think everyone is going to be up and ready for the Test matches,” Simmons said ahead of the opening Test.
Despite Bangladesh’s favourable position in the current standings, West Indies have historically held the upper hand in their Test rivalry.
two sides have played 11 Test series, with Bangladesh winning two, in 2009 and 2018. West Indies have won eight series, while one ended in a draw.
In 22 Tests between the teams, Bangladesh have won five and lost 15, with two matches ending in draws. West Indies also won their most recent Test series in Bangladesh, sweeping the two-match contest in 2021.
Once a dominant force in world cricket, West Indies have endured a prolonged decline, punctuated by occasional flashes of brilliance.
