Shanto targets top-five finish in WTC standings

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto wants his side to break into the top five of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) standings, building on the progress made during the previous cycle, reports UNB.
The team finished seventh in the last edition with four wins, an improvement from consecutive last-place finishes in the first two cycles. Bangladesh currently have one draw and one loss from two matches in the present cycle and are seeking their first victory as they prepare to face Pakistan.
The two-match series against Pakistan begins today (Friday) at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in the city.
"We have played good cricket over the last two years," Shanto told reporters on Thursday.
"Finishing seventh last time was a good achievement, and we are gradually improving. This year, the goal is to perform better. It would be great if we could finish in fourth or fifth place."
The captain acknowledged that several difficult away tours, including trips to Australia and South Africa later this year, stand in the way of that goal.
However, he believes the current squad is better equipped to handle varying conditions.
"There are challenges ahead with tours that will be entirely new for us," Shanto said.