Pakistan vs Bangladesh Test: Shan Masood Backs Bowling Attack Ahead of Mirpur Clash

Pakistan captain Shan Masood feels confident about his team’s bowling attack before the first Test against Bangladesh. The Pakistan Bangladesh Test series starts on Friday in Mirpur.

Masood Backs Bowling Attack Ahead of Mirpur Clash

Pakistan enter the series after a difficult home defeat against Bangladesh in August 2024. The visitors won both Tests in Rawalpindi and shocked the hosts with dominant performances. Speaking before the match, Masood said the team is fully focused on the challenge ahead. He also praised Bangladesh for their strong squad and home advantage. “We have selected a balanced side,” Masood said. “Our players can perform in both seam and spin conditions.” In addition, the captain stressed the importance of teamwork in Test cricket. He explained that taking 20 wickets remains the key to winning matches. Masood also shared confidence in Pakistan’s bowling options. He believes the squad can deliver strong results if the team performs well in batting, bowling, and fielding.

Bangladesh Eye Big First-Innings Score

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto highlighted the need for a strong batting display. According to him, a big first-innings total will help the pace attack dominate the game. “The important thing is scoring runs,” Shanto said. “Whether it takes 80 overs or 120 overs does not matter.” Shanto also claimed Bangladesh’s fast bowlers may have a slight edge over Pakistan’s attack. Therefore, the home side will look to use local conditions to its advantage. Bangladesh strengthened the batting unit by adding opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim. Meanwhile, Taskin Ahmed returned from injury and joined Nahid Rana in the pace department. However, Pakistan received an injury concern before the match. Star batter Babar Azam underwent a scan after training, and his availability remains uncertain. Even so, Pakistan will take confidence from Babar’s impressive HBL PSL 2026 form heading into the series opener.