ISLAMABAD: As Pakistan prepares to host Bangladesh for a two-match Test series starting August 21, fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi is poised to make history. Afridi is just nine wickets away from becoming the first Pakistani bowler to achieve 100 wickets in the World Test Championship (WTC).
The first Test match of the series will commence at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, with the second and final Test scheduled to be held at the National Stadium in Karachi on August 30. This series forms an integral part of the ongoing World Test Championship.
Shaheen Shah Afridi, currently the leading wicket-taker for Pakistan in the WTC, has accumulated 91 wickets so far. Achieving the milestone of 100 wickets would not only underscore his exceptional skill but also solidify his position as one of the premier fast bowlers in international cricket.
The other top wicket-takers for Pakistan in the WTC include Naseem Shah with 51 wickets, Yasir Shah with 41, Noman Ali with 39, and Abrar Ahmed with 38.
The series against Bangladesh arrives amidst a backdrop of political turmoil in the visiting team’s home country, which has led to their temporary relocation for the Test fixtures. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that tickets for the first Test are available.
However, due to ongoing maintenance work in preparation for the Champions Trophy 2025, the second Test at the National Stadium in Karachi will be played without spectators. This decision is aimed at ensuring the venue is in prime condition for the forthcoming major cricketing event.
Pakistan’s Test squad for the series includes a mix of experienced players and emerging talent. The team is captained by Shan Masood, with Saud Shakeel as the vice-captain. Other key players in the squad are Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi, alongside promising youngsters such as Abdullah Shafique and Mohammad Huraira. The squad also includes Aamir Jamal, pending fitness clearance, and several others such as Abrar Ahmed and Naseem Shah.
Bangladesh’s squad, led by captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, features a blend of seasoned campaigners and young talents. Notable players include Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Litton Kumer Das. The team will also rely on key bowlers like Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz to challenge Pakistan’s batting lineup.
