Tag: Bangladesh

MIRPUR: Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has expressed confidence in his fast bowlers on the eve of the opening Test against Pakistan.

Shanto admitted the strength of Pakistan’s pace attack over the years but also backed his own fast bowlers, citing their performances over the past couple of seasons.

“Pakistan’s pace bowling is traditionally very strong; there is no doubt about that,” Shanto said.

“However, considering how our pacers have performed over the last few years, I would say our pace attack is perhaps slightly ahead,” he insisted.

The left-hander also mentioned the improvement in fast bowlers, noting that it provides him with added comfort as skipper.

“Our pacers have improved immensely in terms of skill, which gives me an extra cushion as a captain,” he said.

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The 27-year-old also highlighted the importance of racking up runs on the board in the first innings and said a balanced pace and spin attack would be key to success.

“I personally want the batters to take up the challenge of putting up a big first-innings total. A proper combination of pace and spin will be key to our success.”

Najmul Hossain spoke about speedster Nahid Rana, praising his work ethic while noting that he has yet to make his mark.

Shanto also spoke about fast bowler Nahid Rana, praising his work ethic and expecting him to thrive in the upcoming Test series.

“I have known Rana since his early days, and I am aware of his work ethic,” Shanto noted.

“For a captain, having a genuine tearaway in the side is always a massive plus. He is in great rhythm, and I expect him to hit his peak in this series,” Najmul Hossain Shanto concluded.

READ: Shan Masood downplays ‘revenge’ talk ahead of Bangladesh series

MIRPUR: Pakistan captain Shan Masood has dismissed any talk of revenge ahead of the two-match Test series against Bangladesh, set to begin tomorrow. 

Speaking to the media on the eve of the first Test, Masood dismissed any talk of revenge and instead credited the home side for their victory in the previous series.

“I do not think our side associates itself with any word related to revenge. We must give credit to Bangladesh for the way they prepared and performed in 2024. We thought we would have the better of them in those conditions, but they played really good cricket,” he told reporters.

“The way they fought back from situations where we were on top, like when they were 26 for six, showed their skill and ability. We are not going to take any opposition lightly,” he added.

The skipper emphasized that the Pakistan all-round squad can adjust to any conditions.

“They have their own strengths, and we have our own strengths. We can only judge ourselves from our own point of view. I think we have brought a very well-rounded squad of 16 players that can play in most conditions,” he explained.

“We are very happy with the squad we have, and now it is about playing 10 days of good cricket. Hopefully, whoever plays better cricket will end up winning the series,” Shan Masood continued.

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He also recalled the last series, highlighting Bangladesh’s performance, saying that the hosts’ squad remains largely unchanged.

“I have been involved in two previous series against Bangladesh, and this side is very similar to the one we faced before, very competitive and skillful. They are covered in all departments, whether batting, pace bowling or spin bowling.”

“We enjoy challenges, and we like playing teams that are strong in their own conditions. This is an opportunity for us to test our skills and hopefully come out on top,” the 36-year-old said.

Masood also mentioned the surface at the Shere-Bangla National Stadium pitch, while expressing confidence in his based on their recent tours.

“The pitch currently has grass on it, and that will likely be its condition tomorrow. We have played in various conditions over the last two years, including Australia and South Africa. Even when Bangladesh came to Pakistan, we prepared similar wickets. We built our 16-man squad to be balanced, with options for both seam and spin conditions,” he observed.

DHAKA: The trophy for the Pakistan-Bangladesh Test series was officially unveiled in Mirpur on Thursday, with both team captains posing with the silverware.

The silverware was unveiled at the Shere-Bangla National Stadium by Pakistan skipper Shan Masood and Bangladesh’s captain Najmul Hossain Shanto.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) shared visuals on social media platforms.

“Pre-series trophy shoot at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. First Test begins tomorrow,” the caption of the post read.

The first of the two matches – part of the ICC World Test Championship will be played at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka from 8 to 12 May, while Sylhet International Cricket Stadium will host the second Test, which will be played from 16 to 20 May.

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In the current World Test Championship (WTC) standings, Bangladesh are placed eighth, having registered one defeat and one draw from two matches, with a win percentage of 16.67.

Pakistan, meanwhile, sit fifth with one win and one loss, holding 12 points and a 50 percent win ratio.

Squads

Pakistan: Shan Masood (c), Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Azan Awais, Babar Azam, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Bangladesh (first Test): Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (vc), Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Ebadot Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Tanzid Hasan, and Amite Hasan.

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MIRPUR: Star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi has set his sights firmly on guiding Pakistan towards the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, stressing that consistency across a demanding Test calendar will be key to achieving that goal.

Speaking ahead of Pakistan’s upcoming Test series against Bangladesh, the left-arm pacer stressed the importance of consistency, preparation, and adaptability in what he described as a long and challenging Test cycle.

“We are looking forward to the challenge of the Test series. Tests are very important for us, and this is a long Test season for us, perhaps for the first time like this. We are fully prepared and ready to give our best,” Afridi said.

Pakistan are set to play a two-match Test series against Bangladesh, with the first Test scheduled at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium from May 8 to 12, followed by the second in Sylhet from May 16 to 20.

Shaheen acknowledged that home conditions naturally provide an advantage to hosting teams, but emphasised that execution and preparation remain the real deciding factors in Test cricket.

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“We hope the conditions will be good for us and we will play excellent cricket. Every team is strong in its home conditions, but what matters most is how well you prepare and execute,” he added.

He also underlined Pakistan’s broader ambitions in the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, making it clear that the team’s focus extends beyond individual series.

“We are not only focused on this Test series but also on the ICC World Test Championship. Our target is to reach the final, and for that we must play our best cricket consistently,” he stated.

Looking ahead to the upcoming series against Bangladesh, Afridi noted the challenge posed by spin-friendly conditions but insisted Pakistan are well prepared for all scenarios.

“Bangladesh have previously done well on spin-friendly tracks, and every team uses home advantage. We have prepared accordingly, both for spin conditions and for a green wicket, and we are ready for every challenge,” he said.

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DHAKA: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Tuesday announced free entry for Students and academy trainees for the two-match Test series against Pakistan.

The first of the two matches – part of the ICC World Test Championship will be played at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka from 8 to 12 May, while Sylhet International Cricket Stadium will host the second Test, which will be played from 16 to 20 May.

The board termed it a “special opportunity” aimed at encouraging young cricket fans to experience the longer format of the game from the stands.

“On the occasion of the upcoming Bangladesh vs Pakistan Test Series, a special opportunity has been introduced to encourage young cricket enthusiasts to experience the ultimate form of the game from the stands and galleries,” the BCB said in a statement.

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“Students from schools and educational institutions, wearing their respective uniforms and carrying valid ID cards, will be granted free entry to designated stands/galleries,” it added.

BCB also said that the condition applies to trainees under the age of 15, who can come to the stadium wearing their official academy kits.

“This privilege also applies to trainees under the age of 15 who are enrolled in private cricket academies. These trainees must wear their official academy kits to receive complimentary access to the stadiums,” the board concluded.

In the current World Test Championship (WTC) standings, Bangladesh are placed eighth, having registered one defeat and one draw from two matches, with a win percentage of 16.67.

Pakistan, meanwhile, sit fifth with one win and one loss, holding 12 points and a 50 percent win ratio.

Bangladesh squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (vc), Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Ebadot Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Tanzid Hasan, Amite Hasan.

Pakistan squad: Shan Masood (captain), Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Azan Awais, Babar Azam, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel and Shaheen Shah Afridi

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DHAKA: Pakistan Test squad held a training session at the Shere-Bangla National Stadium ahead of the two-match Test series against Bangladesh, set to begin on May 8.

The first of the two matches – part of the ICC World Test Championship will be played at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka from 8 to 12 May, while Sylhet International Cricket Stadium will host the second Test, which will be played from 16 to 20 May.

Players took part in net sessions that emphasized both batting and bowling under the guidance of the coaching staff. Additionally, the team performed physical drills and fielding exercises to enhance their fitness and improve their on-field skills.

 

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Meanwhile, ace batter Babar Azam and fast bowler Khurram Shehzad are set to join the national team after the conclusion of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11. Both players left for Bangladesh earlier today.

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Prior to departing for Bangladesh, Pakistan organized a five-day training camp at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi, during which players refined their skills ahead of the series.

For the unversed, Pakistan currently sit fifth in the WTC standings with 12 points, having played only two matches in the current cycle against South Africa at home in 2025.

Pakistan squad for Bangladesh Test series:

Shan Masood (c), Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Azan Awais, Babar Azam, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

READ: Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi named in PSL 11 Team of the Tournament

KARACHI: Pakistan spin duo Sajid Khan and Noman Ali weaved spin magic on day four of the national team’s preparatory camp held at the National Bank Stadium ahead of the Bangladesh Tests. 

On the fourth day of the training camp, Pakistan players took part in a scenario-based match at the Oval Ground, where batters and bowlers fine-tuned their preparations.

During the morning session, Mohamamd Abbas and Hasan Ali bowled a couple of overs in hot conditions. The latter went off the field after delivering the first ball of his fourth over.

Among the batters, Ghazi Ghouri remained the top-scorer with 31 runs before being retired out.

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In bowling, Noman Ali and Sajid Khan picked up two wickets each.

Meanwhile, after enduring the heat during the scenario match, vice-captain Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan were seen in the nets practicing alongside batting coach Asad Shafiq.

The training camp will continue until tommorow, after which the team will depart for Bangladesh.

Ace batter Babar Azam and fast bowler Khurram Shehzad will join the squad after the conclusion of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11, with their team, Peshawar Zalmi, set to feature in the final.

For the unversed, the first of the two matches – part of the ICC World Test Championship will be played at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka from 8 to 12 May, while Sylhet International Cricket Stadium will host the second Test, which will be played from 16 to 20 May.

Pakistan Squad for Bangladesh Series

Shan Masood (captain), Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Azan Awais, Babar Azam, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel and Shaheen Shah Afridi

READ: Umar Gul reveals fast bowlers plan for Bangladesh Tests

KARACHI: Pakistan Test squad continued preparations for the upcoming two-match series against Bangladesh under newly appointed head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed.

The first of the two matches – part of the ICC World Test Championship will be played at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka from 8 to 12 May, while Sylhet International Cricket Stadium will host the second Test which will be played from 16 to 20 May.

The national team players trained at the Hanif Mohammad High Performance Center (HPC) on the third day of the camp.

During the morning session, newly appointed head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed oversaw slip-catching drills with Salman Ali Agha and vice-captain Saud Shakeel. He later worked with other players of the squad.

In the afternoon, players moved indoors for training.

Meanwhile, ace batter Babar Azam will join the squad after the conclusion of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11, with his team, Peshawar Zalmi, set to feature in the final.

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The camp will run until May 2, with two scenario-based practice matches scheduled at the Oval Ground.

For the unversed, Pakistan currently sit fifth in the WTC standings with 12 points, having played only two matches in the current cycle against South Africa at home in 2025.

Pakistan Squad for Bangladesh Test series

Shan Masood (captain), Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Azan Awais, Babar Azam, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel and Shaheen Shah Afridi

Team management: Naveed Akram Cheema (manager), Sarfaraz Ahmed (head coach), Asad Shafiq (batting coach), Umar Gul (bowling coach), Abdul Saad (fielding coach) Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist), Grant Luden (strength and conditioning coach), Usman Hashmi (analyst), Syed Naeem Ahmad (media manager), Lt. Col. (r) Usman Anwari (security manager), Dr Wajid Ali Rafai (team doctor) and Muhammad Ehsan (masseur)

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DHAKA: Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced a 15-member squad for the opening Test against Pakistan, set to begin on May 8 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium as part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.

Najmul Hossain Shanto will continue to lead the side, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz appointed as vice-captain for the series opener.

The squad includes two uncapped players, Tanzid Hasan and Amite Hasan, both rewarded for their recent performances.

Tanzid, already a regular in white-ball formats, has featured in 34 ODIs and 45 T20Is, scoring over 1,900 runs, and will now look to establish himself in the longer format.

Amite, a 24-year-old middle-order batter, earns his maiden call-up on the back of consistent domestic returns, boasting a first-class average close to 50 since his debut in 2019.

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Bangladesh have also bolstered their bowling attack with the return of pace duo Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam, who last featured in Tests in late 2024. Spinner Nayeem Hasan has also been recalled to the red-ball setup.

In the current WTC standings, Bangladesh are placed eighth, having registered one defeat and one draw from two matches, with a win percentage of 16.67.

Pakistan, meanwhile, sit fifth with one win and one loss, holding 12 points and a 50 percent win ratio.

The two-match series will continue with the second Test scheduled from May 16 to 20 at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.

Bangladesh squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (vc), Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Ebadot Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Tanzid Hasan, Amite Hasan.

Pakistan squad: Shan Masood (captain), Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Azan Awais, Babar Azam, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel and Shaheen Shah Afridi

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Najmul Hossain Shanto scored a century and Mustafizur Rahman claimed 5-43 as Bangladesh beat New Zealand by 55 runs in the third one-day international to clinch the series 2-1 on Thursday.

Shanto hit 105 off 119 balls, smacking nine fours and two sixes for his fourth ODI century to lift New Zealand from early trouble to 265-8 after being invited to bat first in Chattogram.

Mustafizur, who returned from injury after missing the first two matches, then ripped through the New Zealand batting to help bowl out the opposition for 210 in 44.5 overs.

The performance took Mustafizur’s tally to six five-wicket hauls in ODI cricket, the most by any Bangladesh bowler and level with Wasim Akram (Pakistan) and Trent Boult (New Zealand) among left-arm quicks.

Australia left-armer Mitchell Starc is top of the list on nine.

Dean Foxcroft top-scored for New Zealand with a valiant 75 off 72 balls as he hit seven sixes to extend Bangladesh’s wait for victory after the tourists slipped to 160-9.

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Nick Kelly made 59 off 80 at the top of the order.

Pace bowler Nahid Rana and spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz took two wickets each.

Earlier, Bangladesh slipped to 32-3 before Shanto and Litton Das steadied the innings with a 160-run stand — the highest partnership for Bangladesh against New Zealand in the 50-overs format for the fourth wicket.

Will O’Rourke was chief destroyer with the new ball, removing Saif Hassan and Tanzid Hasan in his opening two overs to leave Bangladesh reeling at 9-2.

Soumya Sarkar was dismissed soon after for 18, dragging one back onto his stumps off O’Rourke before Shanto and Litton hit back.

Left-arm spinner Jayden Lennox broke the stand by removing Litton for 76 off 91 balls, a knock laced with three fours and one six.

It was Litton’s 13th ODI half-century.

Lennox also brought an end to Shanto’s innings, having the left-hander caught by Nathan Smith.

Towhid Hridoy contributed an unbeaten 33 and captain Mehidy added 22 to ensure a challenging total.

O’Rourke was the pick of the New Zealand bowlers with 3-32 while Ben Lister and Lennox took two wickets each.

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