Pakistan Shaheens Set to Face Bangladesh

News Desk

Islamabad: The Pakistan Shaheens cricket team is gearing up to take on Bangladesh ‘A’ in the first four-day match starting on Tuesday, August 13, at the Islamabad Club. The second match of the series will be played from August 20 to 23 at the same venue.

The two teams recently faced each other in a two-match series in Darwin, Australia, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Both squads have included players who are expected to feature in the upcoming ICC World Test Championship matches to be held in Rawalpindi and Karachi later this month.

Pakistan’s Shaheens will be led by Saud Shakeel, who has been named Pakistan’s Test vice-captain. The Bangladesh ‘A’ team will be captained by Anamul Haque, who has a wealth of experience with 74 international matches under his belt.

This series is particularly important as it gives players from both sides an opportunity to prepare for their upcoming Test matches, given that neither team has played a Test since earlier this year. Pakistan’s last Test was against Australia in Sydney, while Bangladesh last played against Sri Lanka in March.

Key players to watch from the Pakistan Shaheens include Saud Shakeel, Kamran Ghulam, Mir Hamza, Naseem Shah, and Sarfaraz Ahmed. For Bangladesh ‘A’, experienced players like Mushfiqur Rahim, Mominul Haque, and Zakir Hasan will be in action.

Saud Shakeel expressed his excitement about leading the Shaheens, stating, “It’s an honor to lead the team again. This series is crucial as it allows us to prepare for the upcoming ICC World Test Championship matches. Bangladesh is always a tough competitor, especially with their spin bowling, so we are ready for the challenge on our home turf.”

Anamul Haque also shared his thoughts, saying, “We are excited to face the Pakistan Shaheens on their home ground. This series is important for our preparation for the Test matches ahead and provides a great opportunity for our younger players to prove themselves.”

Pakistan Shaheens Squad for the 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.

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.

Faisal Aafreedi and Imran Jawed (on-field umpires), Zulfiqar Jan (third umpire), Nadeem Arshad (match referee).