KARACHI: In a strategic move for the upcoming Test series, Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam is set to occupy the No. 4 position in the batting order for the first Test match against Bangladesh, as per insider information. This decision aligns with the team’s strategy as they prepare to face Bangladesh in a two-match ICC World Test Championship series on home soil.
Abdullah Shafiq, whose place as an opener has been confirmed, will continue at the top of the order, while skipper Shan Masood will take on the role of anchoring the innings from the No. 3 position. Emerging talent Muhammad Huraira is reportedly a strong contender to make his Test debut during this series, adding a fresh dynamic to Pakistan’s batting lineup.
The first Test will be held in Rawalpindi from August 21 to 25, followed by the second Test in Karachi from August 30 to September 3. With the pitch in Rawalpindi expected to favor bowlers, Pakistan’s team management is likely to field a pace-heavy attack featuring three fast bowlers and a single spinner. The pace trio is anticipated to include Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Mir Hamza, all of whom bring a mix of pace and precision to Pakistan’s bowling arsenal.
The Bangladesh squad, led by captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, arrived in Lahore on August 13 under tight security arrangements. The visitors are scheduled to participate in the two-Test series, with the matches being crucial fixtures in the World Test Championship calendar.
Pakistan’s Squad:
Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel, Aamir Jamal (fitness pending), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Bangladesh’s Squad:
Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Mahmudullah, Zakir Hasan, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nazmul Hossain, Nurul Hasan, Ebadot Hossain, Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed, Khaled Ahmed.
Both teams will be eager to secure crucial points in the World Test Championship as they face off in what promises to be a fiercely competitive series.
