Pakistan has officially announced its playing XI for the opening Test against Bangladesh, scheduled to start on August 21 at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi.
Shan Masood, who will be leading the national side for the first time in a home series, has been entrusted with the captaincy of a team that brings together experienced players and rising talents. This blend is seen as crucial for securing a strong performance in the series.
Opening the innings alongside Masood will be Abdullah Shafique, a promising young player who has already shown his potential in previous outings. The middle order will feature Saud Shakeel and Babar Azam, with Babar’s consistent run-scoring abilities providing a solid foundation for the team’s batting lineup.
On the bowling front, Shaheen Shah Afridi is set to lead the pace attack. He will be supported by fellow fast bowlers Naseem Shah, Mohammad Ali, and Khurram Shahzad, the latter being an emerging talent expected to make a significant impact. The Rawalpindi pitch, known for its fast-bowler-friendly conditions, will be an important factor in the game, giving the pace quartet a crucial role.
Adding variety to the bowling attack, the team’s lone spinner, all-rounder Salman Ali Agha, will offer valuable support in both bowling and batting. His dual skills make him a key player in balancing the team’s performance.
The wicketkeeping duties will be handled by Mohammad Rizwan, who is also a strong middle-order batsman. Rizwan’s ability behind the stumps, combined with his dependable batting, makes him a vital component of the squad.
This Test will also be significant as it marks the first appearance of Jason Gillespie as the head coach of the Pakistan cricket team. Gillespie’s coaching debut adds an extra layer of anticipation to the match, with fans and analysts eager to see his influence on the team.
The squad’s final composition was decided following the release of all-rounder Aamer Jamal, who has been sidelined due to a back injury.
Jamal, who suffered the injury while playing for Warwickshire in county cricket, was initially included in the squad pending fitness clearance. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) later confirmed his release, advising him to focus on rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore.
“Aamir is recovering from a back injury sustained during county cricket this year,” the PCB said in a statement, explaining the decision to withdraw him from the squad.
As the team gears up for the series, expectations are high for a competitive and exciting match, with Pakistan’s mix of seasoned professionals and emerging talent set to take on Bangladesh on home soil.
Pakistan’s playing XI for first test:
- Saim Ayub
- Shan Masood (c)
- Babar Azam
- Abdullah Shafique
- Naseem Shah
- Mohammad Rizwan (wk)
- Salman Ali Agha
- Shaheen Afridi
- Saud Shakeel
- Mohammad Ali
- Khurram Shahzad
