Pakistan to Face Bangladesh in Opening Test Match Today
First Test of Two-Match Series Begins Today in Rawalpindi
RAWALPINDI-The Pakistan men’s cricket team will take on Bangladesh in the first Test of their two-match series today (Wednesday) at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Currently, Pakistan is ranked sixth in the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25. They have played two away series in the championship so far, winning 2-0 against Sri Lanka but losing 3-0 to Australia.
This season is Pakistan’s busiest Test season since 1998-99, with nine Test matches scheduled. Seven of these matches will be held at home, including two against Bangladesh, three against England in October, and two against the West Indies in January next year. The two away matches will be played against South Africa in December and January.
The first Test against Bangladesh also marks the debut international assignment of Pakistan’s red-ball head coach, Jason Gillespie, who was appointed in April. It is also Shan Masood’s first Test match as captain on home soil, signaling a new era for the team in Test cricket.
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To make the matches accessible to fans, tickets are priced nominally and are available online at PCB.tcs.com.pk. Physical tickets can also be purchased from Monday at the ticket booth at Aviation Ground, opposite Rescue 1122, Rawal Road.
Pakistan captain Shan Masood expressed excitement for the series, highlighting the team’s readiness and the importance of performing well. He acknowledged the honor and responsibility of leading the team at home and is committed to driving the team forward.
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto expressed gratitude to the PCB for the practice sessions in Lahore and stressed the significance of the series. He noted the potential of the Pakistani team and the value of every match in the ICC Championship.
The playing XI for Pakistan in the first Test is:
1. Abdullah Shafique
2. Saim Ayub
3. Shan Masood (captain)
4. Babar Azam
5. Saud Shakeel (vice-captain)
6. Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper)
7. Salman Ali Agha
8. Shaheen Shah Afridi
9. Naseem Shah
10. Khurram Shahzad
11. Mohammad Ali
Bangladesh’s squad includes:
1. Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain)
2. Hasan Mahmud
3. Litton Kumer Das
4. Mehidy Hasan Miraz
5. Mominul Haque
6. Mushfiqur Rahim
7. Nahid Rana
8. Nayeem Hasan
9. Shadman Islam
10. Shakib Al Hasan
11. Shoriful Islam
12. Syed Khaled Ahmed
13. Taijul Islam
14. Zakir Hasan
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