
(Source X)
Pakistan is preparing for a two-match Test series against Bangladesh, which kicks off on August 21 in Rawalpindi. The hosts have selected a strong squad featuring a potent pace attack, including Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mir Hamza, and Khurram Shehzad.
The team has been hard at work in the nets ahead of the series. During a recent practice session, a thrilling duel unfolded between Shehzad and Babar Azam. In a now-viral video, Shehzad delivers an exquisite outswinger that narrowly misses Babar’s off-stump, putting him on edge. The pacer then follows up with a sharp delivery that angles back in and catches Babar painfully on the box.
Babar’s struggles didn’t end there; he was bowled out on the very next delivery while trying a risky drive.
Given the expected rain and overcast conditions, Pakistan’s team management is expected to deploy a pace-heavy attack in the first Test against Bangladesh. The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecasted varying degrees of rain throughout the match’s five days, so the hosts will likely utilize all their leading fast bowlers.
Previously, the four-day ‘unofficial’ Test between Pakistan Shaheens and Bangladesh A concluded in a draw on Friday due to adverse weather conditions. Bangladesh A was dismissed for 122 in their first innings and subsequently fell behind by 245 runs.
Bangladesh was at 153 for 5 in their second innings when the match was abandoned by the umpires. The third day’s play, featuring eight Pakistan Test players, was entirely washed out.
The Pakistan management is also considering giving young opening batter Muhammad Huraira his debut. He has been in exceptional form, including a double century for the Pakistan Shaheens against Bangladesh A in Darwin, Australia, last month.