The Pakistan men’s cricket team is set to face Bangladesh in the first Test of a two-match series starting Wednesday at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The second Test will also be held at the same venue, running from 30 August to 3 September.
This series marks an important chapter in Pakistan’s cricket season, which is their busiest in the Test arena since 1998-99. Currently ranked sixth in the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25, Pakistan has already experienced contrasting fortunes in their two away series—sweeping Sri Lanka 2-0 but suffering a 3-0 whitewash against Australia.
The series against Bangladesh is the beginning of a packed Test schedule for Pakistan, with nine matches lined up this season. Seven of these will be at home, including three crucial Tests against England in October and two against the West Indies in January 2025. Pakistan will also face South Africa in a two-match away series in December/January.
This Test series is particularly significant for Pakistan as it heralds a new era in red-ball cricket. Jason Gillespie, who was appointed as Pakistan’s head coach in April, will be overseeing his first international assignment. Additionally, Shan Masood will be captaining the side on home soil for the first time, bringing a fresh leadership style to the team.
Shan Masood, speaking ahead of the series, expressed his excitement: “Fans always want the cricket team to do well and win matches for them. We are all excited for the series and the great season ahead. We have a talented group of cricketers who are eager to perform well in the series. Our bowlers are capable of taking 20 wickets and helping the team win matches.”
He further emphasized the importance of the series as a preparation for the upcoming challenging season, highlighting the team’s readiness after intensive training sessions.
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto also shared his thoughts, acknowledging Pakistan’s potential and expressing gratitude for the practice sessions in Lahore. He noted the significance of the series within the ICC World Test Championship context, underlining the importance of each match.
The first Test will be broadcast live on A-Sports, PTV Sports, and Ten Sports. Fans can purchase tickets online at PCB’s official website or at the ticket booth located at Aviation Ground, Rawal Road.
Pakistan Playing XI for the First Test:
- Abdullah Shafique
- Saim Ayub
- Shan Masood (captain)
- Babar Azam
- Saud Shakeel (vice-captain)
- Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper)
- Salman Ali Agha
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Naseem Shah
- Khurram Shahzad
- Mohammad Ali
Bangladesh Squad:
- Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain)
- Hasan Mahmud
- Litton Kumer Das
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz
- Mominul Haque
- Mushfiqur Rahim
- Nahid Rana
- Nayeem Hasan
- Shadman Islam
- Shakib Al Hasan
- Shoriful Islam
- Syed Khaled Ahmed
- Taijul Islam
- Zakir Hasan
Match Officials:
- On-field umpires: Adrian Holdstock and Richard Kettleborough
- Third umpire: Michael Gough
- Fourth umpire: Rashid Riaz
- Match referee: Ranjan Madugalle
As Pakistan embarks on this critical Test series, all eyes will be on how Shan Masood and his team perform on home soil, setting the tone for what promises to be an exciting and demanding season.
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