WTC 2025-27: Hosts Bangladesh face Pakistan in 1st Test
What's the story
After a two-year hiatus, Bangladesh and Pakistan are set to clash in a two-match Test series. The last encounter saw Pakistan suffer a surprising 2-0 defeat at home. This time around, the series comes at an unusual juncture as neither team has played Test cricket in six months. Bangladesh's last outing was a clean sweep against Ireland at home while Pakistan hosted South Africa in October, splitting the two-match series evenly. This series is part of the ICC World Test Championshiop 2025-27.
Team dynamics
Bangladesh's preparations and potential changes
Bangladesh have had a quiet year, skipping the T20 World Cup in India. Their only international cricket this year was an ODI series against Pakistan and a white-ball series against New Zealand. They won all three series, maintaining their perfect record in international series for 2026. For this Test series, Bangladesh are likely to replace Khaled Ahmed with Taskin Ahmed and Hasan Murad with Nahid Rana.
Game plan
Key decisions for Pakistan
Pakistan are likely to field two spinners, Sajid Khan and Noman Ali, with a choice of two fast bowlers from a pool of four. The team is also expected to hand a debut to one of Azan Awais or Abdullah Fazal at the top order. Imam-ul-Haq's return could push either Khurram Shahzad or Hasan Ali out of the playing XI.
Match preview
Pitch report, weather forecast, and historical context
The Mirpur pitch had some grass on the eve of the Test, indicating a possible shift from its usual spin-friendly reputation. Rain is expected on the opening day but should clear up for the rest of the match. Historically, Bangladesh have never beaten Pakistan in a home Test match. However, when they last met in Pakistan, Bangladesh achieved their most famous Test series victory by winning 2-0.
BAN
Bangladesh likely XI and their squad
BAN Probable XI: Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana. Bangladesh squad: Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Mominul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Nahid Rana, Taskin Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Amite Hasan.
PAK
Pakistan likely XI and their squad
PAK Probable XI: Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Fazal/Azan Awais, Shan Masood (c), 4 Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Afridi, Noman Ali, Khurram Shahzad/Hasan Ali, Sajid Khan. Pakistan squad: Imam-ul-Haq, Azan Awais, Shan Masood(c), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan(w), Salman Agha, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Hasan Ali, Amad Butt, Mohammad Abbas, Khurram Shahzad, Ghazi Ghori, Abdullah Fazal.
Information
A look at the H2H record
Bangladesh and Pakistan have met each other 15 times in Test cricket. The Tigers have won two matches in addition to losing 12. One match has been drawn. At home, Bangladesh are yet to beat Pakistan from 8 meetings (D1 L7).
Stats
Player focus: Here are the stats
From 75 Tests (139 innings), Mominul Haque has scored 4,859 runs at 37.66. In addition to 13 tons, he owns 25 fifties. Among bowlers, spinner Taijul Islam owns 250 Test wickets for Bangladesh from 57 matches (102 innings) at 31.06. For Pakistan, Babar Azam holds the key. From 61 matches (112 innings), he owns 4,366 runs at 42.38. He owns 9 tons and 30 fifties.