Pakistan and Bangladesh Set to Clash in Crucial Test Series

The two-match Test series between Pakistan and Bangladesh will commence on August 21 in Rawalpindi. This series marks Jason Gillespie's debut as Pakistan's Test coach. Both teams aim to improve their standings in the World Test Championship 2023-25. The weather might play a crucial role in the outcome.

Pakistan and Bangladesh are set to kick off a two-match Test series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on August 21. The series holds special significance as Jason Gillespie takes on his first assignment as Pakistan's Test coach.

The Shan Masood-led Pakistan team is currently ahead of Bangladesh in the World Test Championship 2023-25 points table. Both teams are coming off identical records in their last five Test matches, with two wins and three losses each.

Rawalpindi's pitch promises to be favorable for batters, having produced high-scoring games in recent encounters. However, weather conditions could be a determining factor, with rain predicted for all five days. The series will conclude with the second Test from August 30 to September 3.

On Monday, PCB announced the eleven players for the first Test, featuring top pacers like Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah. Pakistan's playing XI includes Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Shan Masood (C), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel (VC), Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali. The Bangladesh squad will be led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, featuring prominent names like Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan.

As both teams gear up, cricket enthusiasts expect an engaging and competitive series.

(With inputs from agencies.)