Bangladesh and Pakistan begin their much-anticipated two-match Test series with the opening clash at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur. Both sides enter the contest with confidence after positive recent performances and will aim to secure crucial World Test Championship points.
Match details
Venue: Shere Bangla National Stadium
Date: May 8, 2026
Time: 09:30 AM IST | 09:00 AM PKT | 04:00 AM GMT
Team overviews
Bangladesh head into the series on the back of a dominant home performance against Ireland, where they completed a clean sweep. The hosts currently occupy sixth place in the World Test Championship 2025-27 standings and will look to continue their strong home form. Led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, Bangladesh are expected to rely heavily on experienced names such as Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das in the batting department. Their bowling attack could receive a boost with the inclusion of Taskin Ahmed and Nahid Rana.
Pakistan return to Test cricket after a six-month gap following a busy white-ball season that included the T20 World Cup and PSL. Under captain Shan Masood, Pakistan sit fifth in the WTC standings and will aim to start the series strongly. Their spin duo of Sajid Khan and Noman Ali is expected to play a key role on the Mirpur surface. Much attention will also be on former captain Babar Azam after his recent PSL title-winning campaign with Peshawar Zalmi.
Key players
Mushfiqur Rahim remains Bangladesh’s most dependable Test batter. The veteran has scored 6510 runs in 100 Test matches at an average of 38.5, including 13 centuries. His recent century against Ireland highlighted his ability to anchor the innings on slow surfaces.
Shan Masood will be crucial for Pakistan at the top of the order. The left-handed batter has accumulated 2550 runs in 44 Tests and showed excellent form in Pakistan’s previous Test series against South Africa.
Pakistan will also expect strong contributions from Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, while Bangladesh’s bowling hopes rest on Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, and Taskin Ahmed.
Head-to-head record
Pakistan hold a dominant record against Bangladesh in Test cricket.
Matches played: 15
Pakistan wins: 12
Bangladesh wins: 2
Draws: 1
Despite Pakistan’s overall dominance, Bangladesh have won the previous two Tests between the sides, which adds further intrigue to the contest.
Pitch report
The Mirpur surface traditionally starts as a slow batting wicket before increasingly favoring spinners as the match progresses. Teams batting first have enjoyed slightly better success at the venue, with the average first-innings score standing around 319. Spinners are expected to dominate from Day 3 onward as the pitch dries up and begins to deteriorate.
Weather report
Conditions in Dhaka are expected to remain humid and partly cloudy throughout the match. Passing showers are forecast during the opening two days, while temperatures could rise to around 33 degrees Celsius later in the Test.
Probable playing XIs
Bangladesh: Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana
Pakistan: Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Fazal/Azan Awais, Shan Masood (c), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Afridi, Noman Ali, Khurram Shahzad/Hasan Ali, Sajid Khan
Probable match scenarios
If Bangladesh win the toss and bat first, they are projected to score between 315 and 340 in the first innings and around 270 to 280 in the second innings. Under that scenario, Bangladesh could place Pakistan under pressure with spin in the fourth innings.
If Pakistan bat first, they are expected to post between 315 and 325 in the opening innings, followed by 260 to 280 later in the match. Pakistan’s experienced spin attack could become decisive on a deteriorating surface.
Live streaming and broadcast
India: FanCode app and website
Pakistan: Official sports broadcasters and digital streaming platforms
Bangladesh: Coverage through official national broadcasters and streaming services
UK: Available through licensed cricket broadcasters and apps
Global: Official broadcasters and regional streaming platforms according to territory
Match prediction
Bangladesh enter the contest with strong momentum and significant confidence at home, especially after their recent Test success against Ireland. Pakistan possess greater overall experience and a superior historical record, but adapting quickly to Mirpur’s spinning conditions after a long absence from Test cricket could prove challenging. The match is expected to remain closely fought, with spin likely to dictate the outcome from the middle stages onward. Bangladesh appear slightly better placed to edge the opening Test because of their recent red-ball rhythm and familiarity with home conditions.
