Pakistan vs. Bangladesh: First Test Showdown Begins on August 21: Pakistan will face off against Bangladesh in the first Test of their two-match series on Wednesday, August 21, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. These matches are part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) series.
This series is crucial for Pakistan as they aim to get back into the race for a spot in the WTC final at Lord’s in 2025. So far, Pakistan has missed out on qualifying for the first two WTC finals. Currently, Pakistan stands sixth out of nine teams on the WTC 2023-25 points table, having lost three of their five Test matches.
Bangladesh is in eighth place with three losses out of four matches. With political unrest back home, Najmul Hossain Shanto has the responsibility of leading his team during challenging times.
Pakistan has decided to go with an all-pace attack for the first Test. Left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Afridi and the returning Naseem Shah are expected to lead the charge, along with Khurram Shehzad and Mir Hamza. However, Aamer Jamal is out due to a back injury, and spinner Abrar Ahmed and Kamran Ghulam have been released to play for Pakistan Shaheens.
On the Bangladesh side, Mahmudul Hasan Joy will miss the first Test due to a groin injury, and Mushfiqur Rahim also suffered a finger injury while playing for Bangladesh A against Pakistan Shaheens.
Both teams are coming into this Test on the back of three consecutive losses in the longest format. However, Pakistan has had the upper hand in recent encounters, winning their last four Test matches against Bangladesh.
Match Info
Match : PAK vs BAN, 1st Test, Bangladesh tour of Pakistan, 2024
Date : Wednesday, August 21, 2024 – Sunday, August 25, 2024
Time : 10:30 AM
Venue : Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
Pakistan Vs Bangladesh Head To Head Record In Test
Taking a look at the head-to-head records between Pakistan and Bangladesh in Tests, both teams have faced each other in 13 games. Out of those, Pakistan has showcased complete dominance and has won 12 games while Bangladesh has won none. One match ended with no result.
Pakistan vs Bangladesh Key Players
Pakistan Squad
Shan Masood (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Agha Salman, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Mir Hamza,Kamran Ghulam, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Huraira
Bangladesh Squad
Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Zakir Hasan, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud, Khaled Ahmed,Nayeem Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Taijul Islam
Conclusion
The Pakistan vs Bangladesh 1st Test will provide a chance for Bangladesh to register their first-ever win in a Test against their Asian rivals. Pakistan has faced struggles in recent times while Bangladesh has shown incredible performances.