On August 21, 2024, cricket fans will witness an exciting contest between Pakistan and Bangladesh as they lock horns in a Test match at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Scheduled to start at 10:30 am, this match promises to be thrilling, with both teams looking to make a mark. Let’s look at the squads, key players, head-to-head records, probable playing XI, pitch reports, and match predictions.
Team Overview:
Pakistan:
Pakistan enters this Test with a balanced squad combining youth and experience. The team, led by Babar Azam, has a strong batting lineup, with Shan Masood, Saud Shakeel, and Abdullah Shafiq providing stability at the top. The middle order, featuring Babar Azam and Muhammad Rizwan, offers resilience and firepower. On the bowling front, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah lead a formidable pace attack, with Salman Agha and Muhammad Ali offering valuable support. Pakistan will be keen to capitalize on home conditions and secure a win.
Bangladesh:
Under the captaincy of Najmul Hossain Shanto, Bangladesh comes into this match with a squad full of potential and talent. Their batting order, including players like Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, and Shakib Al Hasan, can challenge any opposition. With Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das adding depth to the batting lineup, Bangladesh has a good mix of experience and youth. The bowling department, led by Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, will look to exploit the Rawalpindi pitch conditions. Bangladesh will be eager to put up an intense fight against the home side.
Key Players to Watch:
Pakistan:
- Babar Azam: Pakistan’s captain and batting mainstay, Babar Azam, is known for his consistency and elegance at the crease. His ability to anchor the innings will be crucial for Pakistan.
- Shaheen Shah Afridi: The left-arm pacer is expected to be a key weapon for Pakistan, especially on a pitch likely to assist fast bowlers. His pace, swing, and aggression can trouble the best of batters.
- Muhammad Rizwan: An agile wicketkeeper and dependable batsman, Rizwan’s contributions with the bat in the middle order and behind the stumps will be vital.
Bangladesh:
- Shakib Al Hasan: Bangladesh’s experienced all-rounder can turn the game with both bat and ball. His experience and skill make him a player to watch.
- Mushfiqur Rahim: As one of Bangladesh’s most reliable batters, Mushfiqur Rahim’s experience and calmness under pressure will be necessary for his team.
- Taskin Ahmed: The pace bowler can generate speed and movement, which could be particularly effective on the grassy surface at Rawalpindi.
Head-to-Head in Tests:
Pakistan and Bangladesh have faced each other in 13 Test matches so far. Pakistan has been dominant, winning 12 of these encounters, while ONE game ended in a draw. Bangladesh is yet to secure a win against Pakistan in Test cricket, making this match an opportunity for them to make history.
Probable Playing XI:
Pakistan:
- Shan Masood
- Abdullah Shafiq
- Saud Shakeel
- Babar Azam (C)
- Saim Ayub
- Muhammad Rizwan (WK)
- Salman Agha
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Naseem Shah
- Muhammad Ali
- Khurram Shehzad
Bangladesh:
- Mahmudul Hasan Joy
- Zakir Hasan
- Najmul Hossain Shanto (C)
- Mominul Haque
- Mushfiqur Rahim (WK)
- Shakib Al Hasan
- Litton Kumer Das
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz
- Taijul Islam
- Shoriful Islam
- Taskin Ahmed
Pindi Pitch Report:
The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium pitch is known for its grassy surface, which will offer considerable assistance to fast bowlers, particularly in the match’s early stages. The green top will provide swing and seam movement, making life difficult for the batters. However, as the game progresses, the pitch might flatten out, offering some assistance to batters and spinners. Given the conditions, winning the toss and opting to bowl first could be a smart move.
Live Streaming:
India: No TV channel will broadcast this series
Pakistan: ASports, Ten Sports and Tamasha TV (App)
Match details:
The first Test of a three-match Test series between Pakistan and Bangladesh will be played on August 21 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The match will start at 10:30 am (PST), 11:00 (IST) and 5:30 am (GMT)
Match Predictions and Probable Scenarios:
Given the pitch conditions, the team with the more vigorous pace attack will likely have the upper hand in this match. Pakistan’s bowling lineup, spearheaded by Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, has the edge over Bangladesh’s batters, especially in familiar conditions. However, Bangladesh must be considered, particularly if their experienced players like Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim step up and deliver.
If Pakistan bats first, they will aim to post a competitive total by withstanding the early movement and then capitalizing on any pitch flattening. Bangladesh’s bowlers, on the other hand, Bangladesh will be keen to exploit the early conditions to restrict Pakistan’s batting lineup.
Should Bangladesh bat first, their priority will be to survive the initial burst from Pakistan’s fast bowlers. A solid start could set the stage for a strong first innings total. However, any early wickets could see Pakistan taking control of the match.
