(AFP Photo)
Shaheen Afridi is poised to spearhead Pakistan’s pace attack in the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh, set to be held on home soil.
Following a disappointing exit from the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, Pakistan is gearing up to commence their 2024–25 season with this important Test series. The first Test will begin on August 21 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, while the second Test is scheduled for August 30 at the National Stadium in Karachi.
This home series is pivotal for Pakistan’s aspirations in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25, making it a crucial part of their cricketing calendar.
Shaheen Afridi aims for WTC history as Pakistan prepares to host Bangladesh in a key Test series.
Under the leadership of Shan Masood, Pakistan is determined to rebound from a tough 0-3 defeat in their previous Test series against Australia. They are eager to deliver a strong performance in front of their home fans and keep their chances alive for a place in the WTC 2023-25 final.
Currently positioned fifth in the World Test Championship standings, Pakistan’s upcoming series against Bangladesh is crucial. One of the standout players to watch is the dynamic pacer Shaheen Afridi.
Shaheen is on the verge of a landmark achievement in ICC World Test Championship history. The left-arm fast bowler, who has already taken 91 wickets in 24 Tests, needs just nine more to become the first Pakistani bowler and the 12th bowler globally to reach 100 wickets in the WTC. With two Tests against Bangladesh this month, he has a strong chance to accomplish this milestone.
If Shaheen secures nine more wickets in the series, he will join an elite group of bowlers, including India’s Ravichandran Ashwin and Australia’s Nathan Lyon, who have already crossed the century mark in the WTC. This achievement would cement his place in both WTC and Pakistani cricket history.
Shaheen could enter the elite list of bowlers by claiming nine wickets against Bangladesh.
Currently, only 11 bowlers have achieved the milestone of 100 or more wickets in the World Test Championship (WTC). Among them, three Indian bowlers—Ravichandran Ashwin (174), Jasprit Bumrah (110), and Ravindra Jadeja (102)—feature prominently.
Australia tops the list with Nathan Lyon (187), Pat Cummins (175), Mitchell Starc (147), and Josh Hazlewood (109) as the leading wicket-takers in the WTC.
For Pakistan, Shaheen Afridi leads with 91 wickets in the WTC, followed by the emerging talent Naseem Shah, who has taken 51 wickets. However, Naseem has been sidelined since July 2023 due to an injury sustained during the Asia Cup 2023.
Bangladesh has arrived in Pakistan for the Test series despite ongoing political unrest at home. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has released tickets for the first Test in Rawalpindi, but the second Test in Karachi will be held without spectators due to venue maintenance in preparation for the Champions Trophy 2025 scheduled for early next year.
