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Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto hailed the collective effort of his team following their innings victory against Ireland in the first Test at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Friday.

Bangladesh put on their third highest total of 587-8d on either side of bowling Ireland out twice below 300 runs.

Mahmudul Hasan scored a big hundred of 171 on his return to the Test side while he was well supported by Shanto (100), Mominul Haque (82), and Shadman Islam (80).

 ‘I will give credit to the batters here, and especially to the bowlers too,’ Shanto told reporters after the match.

‘International cricket, especially Test cricket, is always challenging. You see, the runs scored by Joy, Mominul bhai, Shadman – every one of those shots they played in the match required execution.’

Shanto mentioned that they needed to execute proper skill and show the right mentality throughout the match.

‘If the execution wasn’t there, they would have gotten out. We had previously lost here against Zimbabwe. So, I think as a batting unit or a bowling unit, we needed to execute those plans in every area,’ he said.

‘And the fact is that we were able to do it is not just because of the opponent; it wouldn’t have been possible without proper skill or the right mentality. So, I think the credit should be given to the entire batting and bowling unit,’ Shanto added.

He also praised Mahmudul Hasan and Hasan Murad, who took six wickets on his debut match, for their efforts.

‘What I will say about Murad is that he was outstanding. I think he was sitting out for quite a few series, not getting a chance. But he plays first-class cricket every year, and he performs every year,’ Shanto said.

‘If you look at his stats, they are very good. And having so much patience in a place like Bangladesh as a spinner is a big deal. So, the way he bowled after coming in was worth watching,’ he further said.

‘And I hope that the way he has started, he will slowly, slowly improve more and continue to contribute more to the team. But it was very good to see,’ he added.

Mahmudul, on the other hand, made a comeback after sitting out the series against Sri Lanka.

‘Joy was not in the team. Coming back after being dropped and playing such a big innings in the first match was actually very tough for him, but the way he batted, it didn’t even feel like he was making a comeback,’ said Shanto.

‘So, that’s a positive aspect. I think Joy has made a lot of changes to himself in terms of mindset. I hope that he plays with this mentality against all teams in the future,’ he added.