Pakistan are gearing up to host Bangladesh for a two-match Test series, commencing on August 21 in Rawalpindi. This series marks Pakistan’s return to Test cricket after an extended break, as their last outing in the longest format was a challenging tour of Australia earlier this year, where they endured a 3-0 series defeat. The Pakistani team, led by Shan Masood, will be eager to put that disappointment behind them and begin their Test season on a positive note.
Bangladesh, on the other hand, are also looking to bounce back from a heavy series defeat against Sri Lanka in March this year. The Tigers struggled to find form during that series, but they can take heart from their commendable performance last winter, when they managed to secure a series draw against New Zealand.
With both teams coming off recent setbacks, this series presents a crucial opportunity to regain momentum in the Test arena. For Pakistan, it’s a chance to re-establish their dominance on home soil, while Bangladesh will be keen to prove their resilience and challenge their hosts.
Bangladesh’s tour of Pakistan, 1st Test:
Start Date: Aug 21, 10:30 am (IST), 5:00 am (GMT), 10:00 am (LOCAL)
Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium Pitch Report:
The Rawalpindi pitch is anticipated to be a batter’s paradise, likely leading to high scores. Although early swing and bounce might initially aid pace bowlers, these benefits are expected to fade as the innings progresses. As the surface dries, spinners could become more influential, capitalizing on the conditions to take wickets.
PAK vs BAN Dream11 Prediction Picks:
Wicketkeepers: Litton Das, Mohammad Rizwan
Batters: Babar Azam, Shan Masood, Najmul Hossain Shanto
All-rounders: Shakib Al Hasan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Agha Salman
Bowlers: Taijul Islam, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah
PAK vs BAN Dream11 Prediction Captain and Vice-Captain:
Choice 1: Babar Azam (c), Mehidy Hasan Miraz (vc)
Choice 2: Shan Masood (c), Shakib Al Hasan (vc)
Also READ: Pakistan unveils their playing XI for the first Test against Bangladesh
PAK vs BAN Dream11 Prediction Backups:
Saud Shakeel, Abdullah Shafique, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shoriful Islam
PAK vs BAN Dream11 Team for today’s match (August 21, 05:00 am GMT):
PAK vs BAN, Dream11 Team (Screengrab: Dream11)
Squads:
Pakistan: Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Shan Masood (c), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Agha Salman, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Mir Hamza, Kamran Ghulam, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Huraira
Bangladesh: Zakir Hasan, Shadman Islam, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mominul Haque, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud, Khaled Ahmed, Nayeem Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Taijul Islam
Also READ: Pace legend Wasim Akram lambasts Pakistan team’s fitness level ahead of the Test series against Bangladesh
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