Pakistan’s Batting Order Set for First Test Against Bangladesh
As cricket fans around the world gear up for Test series between Pakistan & Bangladesh, excitement is in the air! The first match kicks off on August 21 in Rawalpindi and lasts until August 25. That’s almost a week of thrilling action ahead. With the series just days away, Pakistan has finalized its batting order, offering clues about their strategy & lineup.
Pakistan’s Preparation and Squad Selection
To prepare for this Test series, eight players from the Pakistan squad took part in an important four-day match against Bangladesh A. This game was part of the Pakistan Shaheens and gave players a chance to refine their skills & get used to the conditions. It was like their last exam to show they’re ready.
Opening Pair: Abdullah Shafique and Mohammad Huraira
Abdullah Shafique is confirmed as one opener for Pakistan in the opening Test. The second spot has seen a fierce contest between Saim Ayub & Mohammad Huraira. In that recent four-day match, Saim only managed 11 runs in his first innings, which was tough luck. But Huraira shone bright, scoring 39 runs off 67 balls and showing some real grit against the new ball.
Huraira’s performance is exciting because he recently made a double century for Pakistan Shaheens against Bangladesh A on their Darwin tour. This big achievement and his current form make it likely that Huraira will open alongside Shafique and it looks like he’ll be making his debut in this Test series!
Middle Order: Experience Meets Stability
The middle order will blend experience with stability. Shan Masood, Babar Azam, & Saud Shakeel are set to bat at numbers 3, 4, & 5 respectively. Shan’s known for his experience and reliability, while Babar who’s not just the captain but also one of the world’s top batsmen is expected to keep everything steady. With Saud Shakeel batting at number 5, there’s even more depth to the batting lineup.
Wicketkeeper and All-Rounder Roles
Mohammad Rizwan will take up wicketkeeping duties in the first Test while batting at number six. So, Sarfaraz Ahmed won’t be playing this time a big change since he has a lot of experience. Agha Salman is expected to fill in as an all-rounder at number seven, ready to contribute with bat & ball.
Four-Day Match Summary
In that crucial four-day match meant for prepping before the series, Pakistan declared their innings at a strong 367/4 they gained a huge lead of 245 runs! The weather didn’t cooperate on day three, washing out play entirely. On the last day, Bangladesh got to 153/5 before bad light cut things short, leaving them behind by 92 runs.
With the batting order confirmed & the team poised for action, Pakistan aims to make a strong impression at the start of this Test series against Bangladesh. Fans can expect a fierce competition as both teams are eager to display their skills and leave their mark. As we near match day, everyone will be watching how this fresh lineup performs on the field.
So there you have it! This article gives you a look into Pakistan’s batting order & preparations keeping fans filled in ahead of what promises to be an exciting series! Stay tuned for more updates as the Test series unfolds!
