For a country where cricket is often intertwined with emotion, Bangladesh’s historic Test victory in Australia meant far more than just another result. After a 23-year wait for a Test win on Australian soil, captain Najmul Hossain Shanto believes the team has given millions of supporters back home one of their happiest moments.
Bangladesh stunned Australia by nine wickets in Darwin on Sunday, completing a victory that few would have predicted before the series. The result sparked celebrations across Bangladesh, with Shanto acknowledging the emotional investment of the fans who have followed the team through its highs and lows.
“Bangladesh, we all know the fans are really crazy about cricket. So I really believe they are very happy. At least, we have given them some sort of happiness and put some smiles on their faces. That’s the beauty of this game,” Shanto said after the match.
Shanto said the emotional bond between the team and its supporters makes victories like this even more meaningful.
“In our culture, we are pretty emotional. Sometimes, when we lose, they cry. So I think this win has given them one of their happiest moments,” he said.
The Bangladesh captain also revealed that the team had received a call from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman congratulating them after the historic victory. “He called us and congratulated us. He is really happy and super proud,” Shanto said.
After a performance that saw Bangladesh dominate Australia with both bat and ball, Shanto believes the team’s biggest reward was being able to bring joy to the people who have supported them throughout the journey.
“That’s the beauty of this game,” he said.
