Bangladesh target WTC Final after Test breakthrough

Bangladesh sit fourth in the current ICC World Test Championship standings after their nine-wicket victory over Australia in Darwin in August, a result that underlined the progress made by a team that has struggled for consistency in the longest format.

This was Bangladesh's first Test in Australia after 23 years, and their first win against the hosts in nine years, when they defeated them in Dhaka in 2017.

"The momentum is coming towards us, definitely," Hasan told AFP in Dhaka.

"The atmosphere is such that Bangladesh can now dominate in Test cricket," said the right-arm pacer, who played a starring role in Darwin with figures of 6/55.

"We haven't dominated (in Test cricket). Now is the time."

The victory over Australia was Bangladesh's sixth Test win in their last 13 matches and has given them genuine belief that they can challenge for a place in the Ultimate Test at The Oval next year.

Bangladesh have six Tests remaining in the current WTC cycle, with home series against the West Indies and England to come, followed by a tour of South Africa.

"If we win four matches at home, why shouldn't we play in the World Test Championship final? That's the dream for Bangladesh now," Hasan said.

Since his breakthrough Test in 2024 against Sri Lanka, where he picked six wickets on debut, the fast bowler has emerged as an important part of Bangladesh's improving pace attack, proven by his 45 wickets and three five-wicket hauls in just 16 Tests for the Tigers.

Hasan believes the perception of Bangladesh's fast bowlers is changing as a new generation of quicks make their mark.

"Since we started playing, the thinking has changed," he said.

"They now realise Bangladesh also has good-quality fast bowlers who can be world-class."

Hasan was instrumental in Bangladesh's impressive performance in Darwin, where he applied sustained pressure with an aggressive approach against Australia's batters.

The 26-year-old ran riot in the first innings at Darwin, claiming 6/55 before hitting back with another 3/56 that paved the way for a historic nine-wicket win - their first on Australian soil.

"I was just doing my job and bowling. I wasn't giving them anything easy to hit. I would attack them with the short ball and keep bowling my way. If they hit me, they hit me," he said.

Bangladesh were unable to complete a series victory, with Australia responding with an innings-and-51-run win in the second Test in Mackay.

But the result did little to diminish Hasan's belief that Bangladesh are moving in the right direction.

"Look at how much we've improved in Test cricket," he said.

"If the fast bowlers stay in good shape and the batsmen remain in form, then we will go to a higher level.”