A gripping red-ball contest commenced in Dhaka as Pakistan won the toss and opted to bowl first against Bangladesh in the opening Test at Mirpur, setting the stage for an intense battle between two formidable pace attacks.
This series rekindles one of the most talked-about rivalries of 2024, following Bangladesh’s remarkable 2-0 Test series victory over Pakistan in Rawalpindi. After a six-month hiatus from the longest format, both teams are eager to assert their dominance.
Pakistan will be without their star batsman Babar Azam, sidelined for the first Test due to a left knee injury. His absence paves the way for a possible debutant to open the innings alongside Imam-ul-Haq.
Attention will focus on Pakistan’s bowling lineup, featuring Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sajid Khan, and Noman Ali, while Bangladesh counters with a fierce pace attack led by Nahid Rana and Taskin Ahmed.
Veteran Mushfiqur Rahim remains a vital threat for Bangladesh, having delivered memorable performances against Pakistan in previous encounters.
In a significant development, Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi arrived in Dhaka for a two-day visit ahead of the Test. He was received by Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Saim and Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Imran Haider.
Although rain is forecast early on, conditions at Mirpur are expected to favour the fast bowlers, promising a contest rich in pace, spin, and a quest for redemption.
