Tag: Pakistan vs Bangladesh

RAWALPINDI: Bangladesh have won the toss and elected to field first in the first Test against Pakistan at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium here on Wednesday.

The start of the first day’s play was delayed due to the wet outfield owing to overnight rain in the city.

According to the revised playing conditions, 48 overs will be bowled on the first day. The tea break will be taken at 4:20 PM while the second and last session will run from 4:40 PM to 6:00 PM.

The day can be extended by 30 minutes to accommodate the completion of 48 overs.

The two-match series part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) will run from August 21 to September 4 with both matches to be played at the same venue.

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Pakistan are currently ranked sixth in the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25. They have played two away series in the championship, winning 2-0 against Sri Lanka and losing 3-0 to Australia.

The first Test match against Bangladesh marks Pakistan red-ball head coach Jason Gillespie’s first international assignment since his appointment in April this year.

This is also Shan Masood’s first Test match as captain on home soil, embarking on a new era in red-ball cricket for the team.

Playing XIs

Pakistan: Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Shan Masood (c), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shehzad, Mohammad Ali.

Bangladesh:Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Shadman Islam, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Kumer Das, Mehidy Hassan Miraz, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana

READ: Babar Azam set to join Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma in elite list

RAWALPINDI: The toss of the much anticipated first Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh will take place at 2:00 PM (PST), while the match will start at 2:30 (PST) here on Wednesday.

The start of the first day’s play was delayed due to the wet outfield owing to overnight rain in the city.

According to the revised playing conditions, 48 overs will be bowled on the first day. The tea break will be taken at 4:20 PM while the second and last session will run from 4:40 PM to 6:00 PM.

The day can be extended by 30 minutes to accommodate the completion of 48 overs.

The two-match series part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) will run from August 21 to September 4 with both matches to be played at the same venue.

Pakistan are currently ranked sixth in the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25. They have played two away series in the championship, winning 2-0 against Sri Lanka and losing 3-0 to Australia.

Pakistan are scheduled to play nine Test matches this season, their busiest Test season since 1998-99.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Seven of these Test matches will be played at home, including two against Bangladesh, three against England in October and two against West Indies in January next year.

The two away Test matches are against South Africa, which will be played in December/January.

The first Test match against Bangladesh marks Pakistan red-ball head coach Jason Gillespie’s first international assignment since his appointment in April this year.

It will also be Shan Masood’s first Test match as captain on home soil, embarking on a new era in red-ball cricket for the team.

Pakistan Playing XI for the first Bangladesh Test: Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Shan Masood (c), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shehzad, Mohammad Ali.

Bangladesh squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Hasan Mahmud, Litton Kumer Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Nahid Rana, Nayeem Hasan, Shadman Islam, Shakib Al Hasan, Shoriful Islam, Syed Khaled Ahmed, Taijul Islam and Zakir Hasan

READ: Babar Azam set to join Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma in elite list

Pakistan star batter Babar Azam is on the verge of achieving a significant milestone, during the Test series against Bangladesh, that would place him alongside Indian batting stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

Babar has scored over 4000 runs in ODI and T20I cricket, however in Test cricket he has so far scored 3898 runs.

He needs only 102 runs to become the first Pakistan and third overall to achieve the elusive milestone of scoring 4000 runs in all three formats of the game.

Prior to him, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have achieved this feat, with the former being the first one to do so.

Virat reached the milestone during the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 semifinal against England. In his 16-year-long career, he has scored 8848 runs in Test matches, 13906 runs in ODIs, and 4188 runs in T20Is.

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Meanwhile, Rohit achieved the feat during the recently concluded ICC T20 World Cup 2024. He has amassed 4137 runs in 59 Tests, 10,866 runs in 265 ODIs and 4231 runs in 159 T20Is.

It is worth noting that Virat and Rohit both retired from T20Is after leading India to World Cup glory in June.

Babar Azam, on the other hand, has been a prolific run-scorer for the country since making his international debut in 2015. He has scored 5729 runs in 117 ODIs at an average of 56.72 and 4145 runs in 123 T20Is at 41.03.

Babar was set to take the field for Pakistan in the first Test against Bangladesh this morning, however, the toss has been delayed due to a wet outfield in Rawalpindi.

The umpires found wet patches in the outfield of Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium due to overnight rain.

READ: Bangladesh cricket chief resigns amid Pakistan tour

RAWALPINDI: The toss of the much anticipated first Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh has been delayed due to a wet outfield here on Wednesday.

The umpires found wet patches in the outfield of Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium due to overnight rain.

Umpires Richard Kettleborough of England and Adrian Holdstock from South Africa will have another inspection of the ground at 11:00 am (6:00 GMT).

But the chances of play starting before lunch improved as the sun came out with clear blue skies over the stadium.

The two-match series part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) will run from August 21 to September 4 with both matches to be played at the same venue.

Pakistan are currently ranked sixth in the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25. They have played two away series in the championship, winning 2-0 against Sri Lanka and losing 3-0 to Australia.

Pakistan are scheduled to play nine Test matches this season, their busiest Test season since 1998-99.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Seven of these Test matches will be played at home, including two against Bangladesh, three against England in October and two against West Indies in January next year.

The two away Test matches are against South Africa, which will be played in December/January.

The first Test match against Bangladesh marks Pakistan red-ball head coach Jason Gillespie’s first international assignment since his appointment in April this year.

It will also be Shan Masood’s first Test match as captain on home soil, embarking on a new era in red-ball cricket for the team.

Pakistan Playing XI for the first Bangladesh Test: Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Shan Masood (c), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shehzad, Mohammad Ali.

Bangladesh squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Hasan Mahmud, Litton Kumer Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Nahid Rana, Nayeem Hasan, Shadman Islam, Shakib Al Hasan, Shoriful Islam, Syed Khaled Ahmed, Taijul Islam and Zakir Hasan

READ: Shan Masood reveals the reason for dropping Mir Hamza

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled the ticket prices for the second Test match between Pakistan and Bangladesh set to take place at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from 30 August to 3 September.

Continuing with the pricing structure from the first Test, tickets for the premium enclosures – Miran Baksh, Sohail Tanvir, and Yasir Arafat – will be available for PKR 200. VIP enclosures, including Imran Khan and Javed Miandad, will be priced at PKR 500 on weekdays and PKR 600 on weekends.

For an enhanced match experience, fans can opt for the Gallery pass, which includes lunch and tea, priced at PKR 2,800. The Platinum box, which also includes lunch and tea, is available for PKR 12,500. Additionally, a full hospitality box can be reserved for PKR 200,000.

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In line with the PCB’s commitment to making cricket accessible, ticket prices have been kept nominal. Tickets can be purchased online at PCB.tcs.com.pk or from the physical ticket booth located at Aviation Ground, opposite Rescue 1122, Rawal Road and also at the designated TCS express centres.

A free shuttle bus service will also be running on two routes on matchdays for ease of access into the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium by spectators.

Route 1 will run from Aviation Ground, Rawal Road, Murree Road to Allama Iqbal Park Entrance Gate while the Route 2 will go from Government Satellite Town College for Boys, 6th Road, Murree Road to Allama Iqbal Park Entrance Gate.

For the unversed, the PCB last week, announced to move the second of the two-match Test series between Pakistan and Bangladesh from Karachi to Rawalpindi.

The decision was made owing to the construction work, currently underway at the National Bank Stadium, Karachi to prepare for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025.

READ: Pakistan captain Shan opens up on Imam’s future in Tests

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood on Tuesday, broke silence on left-handed opener Imam-ul-Haq’s future in Test cricket.

Imam, who was a regular part of Pakistan’s Test side since their tour to Australia in late 2023, was left out of the Pakistan squad for the two-match home series against Bangladesh, starting Wednesday.

The left-handed opener was replaced by batting prodigy Saim Ayub with another youngster Mohammad Huraira another contender for the opening slot.

Meanwhile, Shan Masood, while addressing the pre-series press conference here emphasized Imam-ul-Haq being still part of the team’s plans and also that the opener was “rested” for the Bangladesh series.

“Imam-ul-Haq is part of the plan but not part of the squad,” Shan Masood responded to a question about the squad selection.

“Imam-ul-Haq has been rested for the Bangladesh series.”

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Shan Masood further responded to queries regarding Pakistan’s Playing XI for the first Test against Bangladesh which included Saim Ayub over Huraira and Mohammad Ali over Mir Hamza.

He insisted that it can not be said if one bowler is better than the other but that the decisions were made considering the conditions.

“Mohammad Huraira has been scoring runs in domestic cricket for the past three or four years,” he said.

“We chose Mohammad Ali because of the surprise element we witnessed in the Pakistan Super League (PSL),” the left-handed batter said.

“Saim played well in the second innings of the Sydney Test. He seems to be in good form and should be given consistent opportunities.”

Pakistan’s Playing XI for the first Bangladesh Test: Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Shan Masood (c), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shehzad, Mohammad Ali.

READ: Umar Amin aims to emulate Fawad Alam’s international return

RAWALPINDI: The glittering trophy for the Test series between Pakistan and Bangladesh was unveiled at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium here on Tuesday.

The two-match series part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) will run from August 21 to September 4 with both matches to be played at the same venue.

The first Test match will commence at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from 21 August, while the second Test match will be played from 30 August to 3 September.

Pakistan are currently ranked sixth in the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25. They have played two away series in the championship, winning 2-0 against Sri Lanka and losing 3-0 to Australia.

Pakistan are scheduled to play nine Test matches this season, their busiest Test season since 1998-99.

Seven of these Test matches will be played at home, including two against Bangladesh, three against England in October and two against West Indies in January next year.

The two away Test matches are against South Africa, which will be played in December/January.

The first Test match against Bangladesh marks Pakistan red-ball head coach Jason Gillespie’s first international assignment since his appointment in April this year.

It will also be Shan Masood’s first Test match as captain on home soil, embarking on a new era in red-ball cricket for the team.

Previewing the Test series, Pakistan captain Shan Masood shared his excitement for the upcoming matches, with the hope to kick off the busy season at high.

“Fans always want the cricket team to do well and win matches for them. We are all excited about the series and the great season ahead,” said Shan.

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“We have a talented group of cricketers who are eager to perform well in the series. Our bowlers are capable of taking 20 wickets and helping the team win matches.

“The series against Bangladesh is very important for us as we prepare for a busy season ahead, and we are determined to perform well.

“We had some good training sessions leading up to the series, and the coaching staff has worked hard with the players.

“It is an honour and a privilege to lead the side at home. With captaincy comes great responsibility, and I will do my best to take this team forward.”

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto expressed gratitude towards the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and acknowledged the importance of the series for both teams.

“We are grateful to the PCB for helping us get some practice here in Lahore. We had a couple of sessions there and I am hopeful the players will do well in the series,” said Shanto.

“The series against Pakistan is very important and we know that Pakistan has great potential. The series is part of the ICC Championship and we know every game is very important.

“The series between Bangladesh ‘A’ and Pakistan Shaheens have helped our players to assess the conditions well.”

Pakistan Playing XI for the first Bangladesh Test: Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Shan Masood (c), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shehzad, Mohammad Ali.

Bangladesh squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Hasan Mahmud, Litton Kumer Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Nahid Rana, Nayeem Hasan, Shadman Islam, Shakib Al Hasan, Shoriful Islam, Syed Khaled Ahmed, Taijul Islam and Zakir Hasan

READ: Shan Masood reveals the reason for dropping Mir Hamza

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood has revealed the reason behind dropping pace bowler Mir Hamza from the Playing XI for the first Test against Bangladesh.

The first of the two-match Test series is set to commence tomorrow at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium and Shan Masood-led Pakistan will go with an all-pace attack.

The team management decided to include Mohammad Ali instead of Mir Hamza as the fourth fast bowler, alongside Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Khurram Shehzad.

The skipper provided insight into the decision to leave out Mir during the pre-match press conference on Tuesday.

He rejected the idea that Ali is considered a better bowler, instead highlighting the impact of playing conditions and the overall team composition as the basis for Mir’s omission.

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“We considered who could best support Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, who will hopefully take the new ball tomorrow. We believe Mohammad Ali is well-suited for this role,” Shan explained.

“He [Ali] hits the deck hard, can move the ball in the air with the seam, and has that extra pace. It’s not about one bowler being better than another, but rather about who fits the conditions best,” he added.

The first Test against Bangladesh marks only the second instance when Pakistan will field an all-pace attack in a home Test in 28 years.

The last time Pakistan went with an all-pace attack was at the same venue in 2019 against Sri Lanka.

The two-match series part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) will run from August 21 to September 4 with both matches to be played at the same venue.

The second match of the series, however, was originally scheduled to take place at National Stadium, Karachi.

However, owing to the renovation work currently underway at the venue, the PCB, in consultation with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) decided to shift the match to Rawalpindi.

Pakistan’s Playing XI for the first Bangladesh Test: Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Shan Masood (c), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shehzad, Mohammad Ali.

READ: Here’s why Naseem Shah does not let his father watch his matches

Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusingha on Monday, asserted that his side is “well-prepared” for whatever challenge posed by home side Pakistan in the upcoming two-match Test series, starting on August 21.

“We are prepared for whatever challenge Pakistan throws at us,” Hathurusingha said.

Hathurusingha further shared that Bangladesh, mirroring Pakistan’s strategy, also developed a strong contingent of pacers as the pitch for the opening Test is anticipated to favour the quick bowlers.

“The Pindi pitch appears favourable for both fast bowling and batting. Considering Pakistan’s selection, we have also developed a strong contingent of fast bowlers.

He, however, emphasized that the inclusion of all-rounders Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz was based on merit to provide spin options.

“We expected Pakistan’s wickets to be different from Bangladesh and selected spinners based on merit, not just conditions,” said Hathurusingha.

“We are pleased with our preparations and look forward to the challenge,” Chandika Hathurusingha concluded.

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The two-match series between Pakistan and Bangladesh, part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC), will run from August 21 to September 4 with both matches to be played at the same venue.

The second match of the series was originally scheduled to take place at National Stadium, Karachi.

However, owing to the renovation work currently underway at the venue, the PCB, in consultation with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) decided to shift the match to Rawalpindi.

Pakistan’s Playing XI for the first Bangladesh Test: Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Shan Masood (c), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shehzad, Mohammad Ali.

Bangladesh Squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Kumer Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Nahid Rana, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed, Syed Khaled Ahmed.

READ: Pakistan Shaheens, Bangladesh A make changes for second four-dayer

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday, revealed the Playing XI for the first Test of the two-match series against Bangladesh, scheduled to commence on August 21.

In Shan Masood’s first home Test as Pakistan captain, the national men’s team will go with an all-pace attack which features ace pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shehzad and Mohammad Ali.

The batting lineup comprises of young openers Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub, followed by the skipper and star batter Babar Azam.

Newly-appointed vice-captain Saud Shakeel further bolsters the team’s middle order which also features wicketkeeper batter Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha.

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The series opener marks only the second instance when Pakistan will field an all-pace attack in a home Test in 28 years.

The last time Pakistan went with an all-pace attack was at the same venue in 2019 against Sri Lanka.

The two-match series part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) will run from August 21 to September 4 with both matches to be played at the same venue.

The second match of the series, however, was originally scheduled to take place at National Stadium, Karachi.

But, owing to the renovation work currently underway at the venue, the PCB, in consultation with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) decided to shift the match to Rawalpindi.

“Due to the deployment of heavy construction equipment and the need to adhere to tight redevelopment schedules for the National Bank Stadium, which is being prepared for next year’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the Pakistan Cricket Board, in consultation with the Bangladesh Cricket Board, has decided to move the second ICC World Test Championship fixture to Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium,” the PCB stated in a press release.

Pakistan’s Playing XI for the first Bangladesh Test: Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Shan Masood (c), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shehzad, Mohammad Ali.

READ: Aamir Jamal released from Pakistan squad for Bangladesh Tests