The Pakistan Shaheens cricket team is gearing up to face Bangladesh ‘A’ in the first of two four-day matches, scheduled to be played at the Islamabad Club from August 13-16. The second match will follow at the same venue from August 20-23. This series marks a significant contest for both sides, who recently split a two-match series 1-1 in Darwin, Australia.
The upcoming matches carry extra weight as both teams are packed with players who will feature in the ICC World Test Championship fixtures. These Test matches are slated for Rawalpindi and Karachi on August 21-25 and August 30-September 3, respectively. This series provides a crucial opportunity for players to fine-tune their skills and gain valuable match practice, especially since Pakistan and Bangladesh have not played a Test since January and March, respectively.
Leading the Pakistan Shaheens will be Saud Shakeel, who was recently named Pakistan’s Test vice-captain. Saud, who has previously captained the Shaheens in their red-ball series against Sri Lanka ‘A’ in 2021, expressed his enthusiasm about the challenge ahead. “This four-day series is crucial as some of the players have not played red-ball cricket recently. It will serve as an important opportunity for the Test probables to gear up and be fully prepared for the upcoming challenges, including the nine ICC World Test Championship Tests,” said Saud Shakeel.
The Shaheens have been in preparation mode since August 7 under the guidance of head coach Umar Gul, while Bangladesh ‘A’ arrived in Islamabad on August 10, ready for the challenge. Bangladesh ‘A’ captain, Anamul Haque, who has represented his country in 74 international matches, echoed Saud’s sentiments, highlighting the competitiveness of the Shaheens, particularly their fast bowling attack. “The Shaheens squad looks strong, especially in the fast bowling department. With experienced players on both sides, the first four-dayer promises to be highly competitive,” Anamul Haque stated.
The Shaheens squad for the first match includes key players like Kamran Ghulam, Mir Hamza, Naseem Shah, and Sarfaraz Ahmed, who are expected to play pivotal roles. Meanwhile, Bangladesh ‘A’ will rely on experienced campaigners like Mushfiqur Rahim, Mominul Haque, and Nayeem Hasan to spearhead their challenge.
As both teams aim to fine-tune their strategies and sharpen their skills, cricket fans can expect a hard-fought series that will not only serve as a prelude to the World Test Championship fixtures but also provide a platform for young talents to make their mark.
Pakistan Shaheens Squad (for first four-day match): Saud Shakeel (captain), Kamran Ghulam, Mehran Mumtaz, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rameez Jnr, Mohammad Huraira, Naseem Shah, Saad Baig (wicket-keeper), Saad Khan, Saim Ayub, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicket-keeper), Umar Amin.
Bangladesh ‘A’ Squad (for first four-day match): Anamul Haque (captain), Hasan Mahmud, Hasan Murad, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Mominul Haque, Mosaddek Hossain Saikat, Mushfiqur Rahim, Nayeem Hasan, Rejaur Rahman Raja, Ruyel Miah, Sahadat Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Zakir Hasan.
Match Officials: Faisal Aafreedi and Imran Jawed (on-field umpires), Zulfiqar Jan (third umpire), Nadeem Arshad (match referee).
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