Pakistan has announced their playing XI for the first Test against Bangladesh, set to begin on August 21 in Rawalpindi.
Shan Masood, the left-handed batter, will captain the visiting team in a home series for the first time, with Saud Shakeel serving as his vice-captain. Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub will open the innings, followed by Masood and star batter Babar Azam.
Muhammad Rizwan has been chosen as the wicketkeeper for the Test, while all-rounder Salman Agha will be the sole spinner in the squad. Pakistan’s bowling attack will feature four pacers: Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Ali, Naseem Shah, and Khurram Shahzad.
It is important to note that wrist spinner Abrar Ahmed and Aamir Jamal were released from the squad for this Test. Abrar Ahmed will now join Pakistan Shaheens for the second four-day match against Bangladesh ‘A’, while Aamir Jamal will focus on his recovery at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore.
This Test series forms part of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25. The first Test runs from August 21 to 25 at Pindi Cricket Stadium, with the second Test scheduled from August 30 to September 4 at the same venue.
Pakistan’s Playing XI for the first Test against Bangladesh is as follows:
Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Shan Masood (c), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel (vc), Muhammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Ali, and Khurram Shahzad.
