Mirpur: The Two-Match Test Series between Bangladesh and Pakistan Begins
The two-match Test series between Bangladesh and Pakistan is set to commence on May 8 at the Shere Bangla International Stadium in Mirpur. The home team arrives with a series of competitive performances in the format, especially on spin-friendly pitches that have historically tested visiting teams.
The Bangladesh squad, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, has introduced new talents, handing maiden Test call-ups to Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Amite Hasan. Tamim has demonstrated potential in white-ball formats, while Amite’s selection follows impressive domestic performances. The pace attack will be strengthened by the returns of Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam, alongside spinner Nayeem Hasan rejoining the Test team. Veteran players, including Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, are expected to provide mentorship to the newcomers in high-pressure situations.
Conversely, Pakistan enters the series under the leadership of Shan Masood and a revamped coaching staff. Former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has taken the role of head coach, with Asad Shafiq serving as the batting coach and Umar Gul managing the bowling unit. The squad features four uncapped players—Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Azan Awais, and Muhammad Ghazi Ghori—who were recognized for their performances in domestic cricket.
However, the Pakistan team faced a setback on May 7 when star batter Babar Azam was ruled out of the Dhaka Test due to a left knee injury. The bowling attack will be spearheaded by experienced campaigners, including Shaheen Shah Afridi, while the batting line-up faces the challenge of adapting to spin and reverse swing in Bangladeshi conditions.
Bangladesh vs. Pakistan Broadcast Details
The first Test between Bangladesh and Pakistan is scheduled to begin at 9:30 AM IST. The match can be viewed on the FanCode app and website, though it will not be broadcast on television in India.
Bangladesh vs. Pakistan: Squads
Pakistan Squad:
Imam-ul-Haq, Azan Awais, Shan Masood (c), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Agha, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Hasan Ali, Amad Butt, Mohammad Abbas, Khurram Shahzad, Ghazi Ghori, Abdullah Fazal.
Bangladesh Squad:
Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Mominul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Nahid Rana, Taskin Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Amite Hasan.
