In their six-series bilateral history in Test cricket, beginning 2001, Bangladesh have not registered a single win against Pakistan. A head-to-head record of 12-0 [one draw] in favour of Pakistan does not augment well for the visitors either. But, cricket is a funny game, as they say, and Bangladesh will have come to the shores of Pakistan to prove a point not just to the world but to themselves – that they belong at this level.
Bangladesh were heavily defeated in their last series against Sri Lanka in March this year. But a series draw to New Zealand last winter, should provide them with confidence heading against an unpredictable Pakistan side. Civil unrest and turmoil having engulfed the country over the last month has seen many Bangladesh Cricket Board officials flee the country. Quality Test cricket might provide the general public some respite and maybe even a smile, even if it is a faint one.
The hosts meanwhile, haven’t played a Test match for the best part of this year. Their last Test series was the 3-0 drubbing away, at the hands of Australia. A new head coach and fresh ideas should rejuvenate a team which has flattered to deceive most times on the field. Naseem Shah’s comeback into the squad is a major boost after his injury while batters Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique will look to cement their place in the Test lineup for the foreseeable future.
When: August 21 to 25, 2024; 10 AM Local Time (5 AM GMT, 10:30 AM IST)
Where: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
What to expect: The last two Tests played here in 2022 saw very flat and sluggish surfaces. The tracks offered nothing for the bowlers and were heavily criticised. There is some rain forecast in the wee hours on most mornings of the scheduled five-day game.
Team news
Pakistan
The hosts have opted for an all out pace attack for the first Test match. Aamir Jamal, the star for Pakistan in the tour of Australia has been ruled out of the series. He has not recovered in time after suffering a back injury during the County championship.
Confirmed XI: Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (C), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammed Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Ali, Khurram Shahzad
Bangladesh
Shakib al Hasan has declared his availability for all of Bangladesh’s Test matches this year but Mahmudal Hasan has been ruled out of the series opener due to a groin injury he sustained in the warm-up game.
Possible XI:Zakir Hasan, Shadman Islam, Najmul Hossain Shanto (C), Mominul Haque, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana, Syed Khaled Ahmed
What they said:
“The Pindi pitch looks more favorable for fast bowling and batting. They also didn’t pick any spinners. Lately, we have developed a lot of good fast bowlers in our rank as well. If the condition favours, they will do well.” – Bangladesh Head Coach, Chandika Hathurusingha.
“You don’t forget the wickets that you get in Test cricket. You remember them for your whole life, because you have earned them with your hard work. It is only you who know how consistent you have been to get those wickets.” – Naseem Shah on the joy of picking up wickets in the Test format.
