Shanto Blames Batting Collapse in Colombo for Test Series Defeat, Steps Down as Captain

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto attributed the 1-0 Test series defeat in Sri Lanka to a collective batting failure in the Colombo Test, particularly in the first innings after opting to bat first. Reflecting on the loss, Shanto said the team couldn’t replicate the form they displayed in Galle, where they posted 495 and dominated the match.

In Colombo, Bangladesh managed just 247 in the first innings, despite several top-order batters getting starts. Sri Lanka then responded with 458, aided by Bangladesh's poor use of the new ball. A second-innings collapse saw Bangladesh dismissed for only 133, sealing their defeat.

Shanto acknowledged that while the decision to bat first was not incorrect, the execution with the bat let the team down. He also criticized the bowling for allowing Sri Lanka to score too freely early in their innings.

Among the positives, Shanto praised offspinner Nayeem Hasan for his resilience and performance despite limited opportunities over the years. He also commended veteran Taijul Islam’s consistency and Mushfiqur Rahim's long-awaited return to form.

Defending the under-fire Anamul Haque, who struggled with just 23 runs in the series, Shanto pointed to the lack of in-form openers and Haque’s strong domestic record. He emphasized that the failure was collective and not attributable to any single player.

Following the series loss, Shanto announced his resignation as Test captain.

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