Bangladesh hasn’t been at their best when it comes to Tests, but have shown glimpses of what their young side can achieve in the longest format, especially at home. Playing the first Test against New Zealand at Sylhet, the Bangladeshis are not just on the verge of a win, but a historic one on many accounts. Having reduced New Zealand for 113/7, they are just three wickets away from a victory, which will be their second against the Kiwis.
This will be the first time they beat a top Test nation twice in Tests. The only other prominent Test nation they’ve beaten more times is West Indies – four times. But it goes without saying that the Caribbean team isn’t really a force to reckon with in Tests anymore. On the other hand, they have beaten Zimbabwe eight times, and Australia & England once each.
Bangladesh Test Record Against Top Test Nations
Opposition | Wins | Losses |
Australia | 1 | 5 |
England | 1 | 9 |
India | 0 | 11 |
New Zealand | 1 | 13 |
South Africa | 0 | 12 |
Bangladesh Record Against Mediocre Teams
Opposition | Wins | Losses |
Afghanistan | 1 | 1 |
Ireland | 1 | 0 |
West Indies | 4 | 14 |
Zimbabwe | 8 | 7 |
Till now, Bangladesh has won only 18 Tests in their history and lost 102. If they win the 1st Test against New Zealand, it will only be the third occasion, that they have won three Tests in a calendar year. Also, it will be the first time where they have not lost a Test in a calendar year.
Opposition | Result | Margin |
Afghanistan | Won | 546 |
Ireland | Won | 7 wickets |
New Zealand* | Awaited | Awaited |
To add to that, if Bangladesh manages to wrap up the proceedings early on day 5, it could be one of their biggest victory margins. Of course, earlier in the year, they had a mammoth 546 runs win against Afghanistan, but even a 200-run win against the Kiwis would be equivalent, or even bigger.
Bangladesh’s Biggest Victory Margins
Opposition | Year | Result | Margin |
Afghanistan | 2023 | Won | 546 runs |
Zimbabwe | 2005 | Won | 226 runs |
Zimbabwe | 2021 | Won | 220 runs |
Zimbabwe | 2018 | Won | 218 runs |
Won | 2014 | Won | 186 runs |