(Credit PCB)
Considering the forecast of rain and overcast conditions, the Pakistan team management is expected to opt for a pace-heavy attack in their first Test against Bangladesh, set to take place from August 21 to 25 in Rawalpindi. The Pakistan Meteorological Department has predicted varying intensities of rain throughout the five days of the match.
As a result, Pakistan is expected to include pacers Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mir Hamza, and Khurram Shehzad in their lineup, with Salman Ali Agha set to be the sole spinner.
“It is unlikely the lone specialist spinner, Abrar Ahmed, would get a chance to play because of the weather.
“Even in the four-day match in Islamabad, Bangladesh A were bowled out cheaply on a pitch that favoured pace bowlers,” a source close to the selectors said.
The four-day ‘unofficial’ Test between Pakistan Shaheens and Bangladesh A concluded in a draw on Friday due to adverse weather conditions.
In their first innings, Bangladesh A was dismissed for 122, trailing by 245 runs. During their second innings, they were 153 for 5 when the match was called off.
The third day’s play, featuring eight Pakistani Test players, was completely washed out.
Pakistan’s management is also considering giving young opening batter Muhammad Huraira his debut. Huraira has been in excellent form recently, having scored a double century for Pakistan Shaheens against Bangladesh A in Darwin, Australia, last month.
The likely Pakistan XI for the first Test against Bangladesh is: Abdullah Shafique, Muhammad Huraira, Shan Masood, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Muhammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mir Hamza, and either Khurrum Shehzad or Muhammad Ali.
