Shanto admits Bangladesh fell short in all three departments

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has acknowledged that his side failed to perform to its potential in batting, bowling and fielding after West Indies secured an eight-wicket victory in the first Test in Mirpur on Saturday.

Although several umpiring decisions went against Bangladesh during the visitors' chase, Shanto was unwilling to use them to explain the defeat. Instead, he pointed to his team's shortcomings, particularly the second-innings batting collapse that left West Indies with a modest target of 170.

"It was a disappointing performance. In all three departments - batting, bowling and fielding - we did not play our best," Shanto said after the match.

Bangladesh had taken a 27-run first-innings lead after making 272 and bowling West Indies out for 245. But the hosts lost their last six wickets for just 63 runs on the fourth morning, folding for 142 despite Nayeem Hasan's maiden Test half-century of 52.

Shanto admitted that the batters gave away their wickets too cheaply and failed to build the partnerships needed to put the visitors under pressure.

"We didn't bat well, especially at the start. We gave away too many soft dismissals," he said, adding that Bangladesh should have managed West Indies' spin attack better.

The captain also acknowledged that the bowling unit could have done more to defend the target. West Indies reached 170 for two in just 35.1 overs, with Brandon King and John Campbell putting together a 112-run opening stand.

Shanto did express frustration over a series of umpire's-call decisions during the chase, including unsuccessful reviews against the West Indies openers. Bangladesh also missed two opportunities to dismiss King.

However, he was careful not to make those incidents an excuse for the loss. He said such decisions could affect a team's momentum, but accepting them was part of the game.

The missed catches remain another concern for Bangladesh. Shanto said the team had made some progress in slip catching but still needed to improve its ability to hold on to chances under pressure.

He praised Nayeem's contribution with both bat and ball, while expressing confidence that the players would respond in the second Test.

Bangladesh now have an opportunity to recover in Sylhet, but Shanto's assessment makes clear that a significant improvement across all three departments will be necessary.