(Source X)
The Pakistan National Cricket Team has announced their playing XI for the opening Test against Bangladesh, set to begin at the Rawalpindi International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, August 21.
Abdullah Shafique will open the innings, while young Saim Ayub, who is yet to make a significant impact internationally, retains his spot and will be eager to shine in his first home Test.
Captain Shan Masood will bat at No. 3, with Babar Azam at No. 4. Azam, who has struggled with form recently, will be looking to make a fresh start as he has not scored a fifty in Test cricket since 2022.
Vice-captain Saud Shakeel will occupy the No. 5 position, and Mohammad Rizwan has been selected as the wicketkeeper-batter over Sarfaraz Ahmed. Despite Sarfaraz’s recent selection in the Australia series, Rizwan is the preferred choice for this series.
All-rounder Salman Ali Agha is the sole spinner in the squad, stepping up in the absence of Abrar Ahmed. Naseem Shah returns to Test cricket after a hiatus due to injury and will be keen to reclaim his spot.
The pace attack will include Shaheen Afridi, Khurram Shahzad, and Mohammad Ali, who are expected to play a pivotal role in the Test series opener against Bangladesh.
Playing XI-
Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Shan Masood (c), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali
