Tigers seek Test championship boost in West Indies series

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, October 28, 2026

Bangladesh begins a two-match Test series against the West Indies aiming to improve their World Test Championship ranking, with the first match starting Wednesday in Mirpur. The series is crucial for both teams’ standings, especially as Bangladesh seeks consistency to reach the WTC final and the West Indies look to capitalize on recent good form despite missing key player Shai Hope.

Bangladesh’s cricket team is entering a two-match Test series against the West Indies with aspirations of boosting their position in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings. The first Test begins Wednesday in Mirpur, with Bangladesh currently sitting fourth in the WTC rankings.

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto said the possibility of competing in the World Test Championship final drives the team’s efforts rather than creating pressure. The final is scheduled for June 9 to 13 at The Oval in London. To qualify, Bangladesh must secure at least four wins and one draw from their remaining six Tests in the current WTC cycle. Shanto emphasized the team’s focus on process and consistency rather than added expectations.

“We do not want to do anything extra. We want to follow our process and give 100 percent to the things we know how to do,” he said.

Bangladesh come into the series following a narrow defeat to Afghanistan in the United Arab Emirates, where they were unable to take the final seven wickets. The team has faced criticism for struggling under pressure in crucial moments, but Shanto indicated improvements after regular internal discussions. “If you look at recent times, I would say that this problem has become less frequent. I am not saying we have completely overcome it, but it has reduced considerably,” he said.

The West Indies, currently eighth in the WTC rankings, will aim to finish their campaign on a strong note despite missing key batter Shai Hope, who has been rested. West Indies captain Roston Chase acknowledged Hope’s absence but expressed confidence in his team’s form and their ambition to climb the standings.

“This is the last series... if we want to make any strides in terms of going up the table, it has to be in this series,” Chase said. “We’re in some good form coming into this series, so we want to take two wins and try to take ourselves up the ladder.”

Chase also noted the likely challenge posed by Mirpur’s spin-friendly pitch. The two teams will meet again for the second Test beginning November 5 in Sylhet.

Bangladesh faced a late injury concern when veteran wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim was struck on the right index finger by a bouncer during practice on Tuesday. The extent of the injury was not immediately clear, and his availability for the match remains uncertain.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.