Bangladesh’s Top-Order Woes Hamper Test Performances
Unless Bangladesh can start building consistent top-order partnerships, their struggles are unlikely to cease, according to Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto. The home side’s crushing innings-and-273-run defeat against South Africa in Chattogram marked their lowest aggregate total of 302 runs at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, known as the country’s best batting pitch.
South Africa’s dominant 575/6 declaration over the first two days was followed by Bangladesh’s implosion, losing 14 wickets on the third day to be bowled out for 159 and 143 in the follow-on. Despite individual efforts, such as Mominul Haque’s 82 in the first innings, the lack of support from the top order has been a recurring issue.
“If you don’t get top-order partnerships, the rest of the batters will find it difficult in red-ball cricket,” Shanto acknowledged. “I don’t know how our top-order batters prepare or think, but if it goes on like this, this will be the result.”
Shanto himself has struggled to contribute consistently, admitting that his own lack of runs is contributing to the top-order collapses. He made 9 and 36 in Chattogram, falling to Kagiso Rabada and Senuran Muthusamy.
“I have an important role as a top-order batter. I am supposed to score runs,” Shanto said. “It is not happening, and the worst thing is, I am getting out between 20 and 40. It is not good for the team.”
Despite enjoying the captaincy, Shanto has informed the BCB president of his desire to step down from the role, suggesting that off-field distractions have affected the team’s performance.
“[Distractions] might have contributed, but it doesn’t mean we will play this poorly,” Shanto said. “Players have to adjust with these things, even though it is difficult. Still, it shouldn’t be this bad. We have to improve our skills and change our thinking.”
As Bangladesh search for solutions to their top-order woes, the focus will be on building meaningful partnerships and regaining their consistency in the longest format of the game.
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