Pakistan unleash debutants, choose to bowl in Dhaka Test
News Desk
Islamabad: Pakistan opted for a pace-heavy strategy as captain Shan Masood won the toss and elected to field first against Bangladesh national cricket team in the opening Test of the two-match series at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Friday.
The visitors handed Test debuts to youngsters Abdullah Fazal and Azan Awais in a fresh-look batting lineup, while senior batter Babar Azam missed out due to a left knee injury.
The series forms part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship 2025–2027 cycle, with the second Test scheduled in Sylhet from May 16 to 20.
Pakistan entered the match placed fifth in the WTC standings with one win and one defeat from two Tests, while Bangladesh sat eighth after managing one draw and one loss.
The contest also carries added significance for Pakistan, who are seeking redemption after Bangladesh scripted history in August 2024 with their first-ever away Test series victory over the Green Shirts, sealing the series 2-0.
Pakistan XI: Imam-ul-Haq, Azan Awais, Abdullah Fazal, Shan Masood (c), Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (w), Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Afridi, Noman Ali, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Abbas.
Bangladesh XI: Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das (w), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Ebadot Hossain.
