Pakistan's playing XI for first test vs Bangladesh - Predicted

Pakistan will host Bangladesh for a two-match test series, starting on August 21.

Pakistan will be in action this week as they host Bangladesh for the first of the two-test series in Rawalpindi. It will be the first international series for Pakistan since their T20 World Cup 2024 group-stage exit.

Pakistan are currently fifth on the World Test Championship 2023-25 standings table and would be aiming to whitewash the visitor in this two-match test series.

Bangladesh arrived in Pakistan amid turmoil in their country. They would be hoping to provide some relief to their people through cricket.

Pakistan’s playing XI for the first test vs Bangladesh – Predicted

1. Abdullah Shafique

Abdullah Shafique is a technically sound batter who is a rock at the top of the order. He will be looking to give Pakistan a good start against Bangladesh. He will be keen to start the series with a good innings, which can set the tone for the season ahead.

2. Saim Ayub

Saim Ayub has had an ordinary start to his international career, but because this is a home series, Pakistan will expect him to do well. He is an aggressive opener who can take the attack to the opposition right from the onset of his innings. Ayub will also look to get some runs under his belts, as this could be his last chance in the team.

3. Shan Masood (C)

The Pakistan captain Shan Masood is coming off a great season of England’s One-Day Cup 2024. The Southpaw will have a big responsibility to lead his team well because it is his first home test series as captain. Masood will look to take his batting form into the series.

4. Babar Azam

Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam will be the one to watch out for. His form across formats since last year has been disappointing. It’s been more than a year since Babar Azam crossed the 100-run mark in tests. So, it will be a great opportunity for him to end this drought and start this test season with a big knock.

5. Saud Shakeel (vc)

The vice-captain Saud Shakeel has gotten off to a great start to his Test career. An average of 60 with two centuries and six half-centuries in 19 innings tells the story of how good he is in this format. Shakeel has scored his runs chiefly in the subcontinent, and this series provided another great opportunity for him to improve his stats.

6. Mohammad Rizwan (wk)

Mohammad Rizwan is likely to get the nod ahead of Sarfaraz Ahmed. He was the top scorer for Pakistan in the series against Australia and has scored runs for his team across formats consistently.

7. Agha Salman

Agha Salman will be the spin all-rounder in the team. His presence in the playing XI gives Pakistan a great balance in both departments since they are going with a four-man pace attack. He has been pretty effective with both bat and ball in recent times.

8. Khurram Shahzad

Khurram Shahzad is likely to feature in the XI because Abrar Ahmed has been released and Aamer Jamal is ruled out due to a back injury. Khurram made his test debut against Australia and played only one game before getting injured. He took five wickets in his debut test.

9. Shaheen Afridi

Shaheen Afridi will be leading Pakistan’s pace attack. He has been doing this role across formats for the last few years and has been successful overall. However, he has been under-par against top teams, and this series provides him with a good opportunity to get back to his best. The ace pacer will be a big threat for Bangladesh.

10. Naseem Shah

Naseem Shah is back in the Test squad after a long hiatus. He featured in the T20 World Cup 2024 for Pakistan. We will see him breathing fire in the test series against Bangladesh. Pakistan will have high hopes from him, and his role will be crucial in this series.

11. Mir Hamza

With Abrar Ahmed being released ahead of the first test, Pakistan will go with an all-pace attack. That means the left-arm quick Mir Hamza is likely to get a chance in the playing XI. He had a decent series against Australia and took seven wickets in two games. He also took five wickets in the first four-day game against Bangladesh A.

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