Mirpur Test: Bangladesh Bat First

In the opening Test against Pakistan, Bangladesh were put into bat after losing the toss at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Friday. Pakistan captain Shan Masood opted to field first after winning the toss, sending the Bangladesh side in under overcast conditions at the start of play.

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto indicated that the toss result did not concern his side, emphasising their intention to build a substantial first-innings total on what was described as a sporting surface. The match marks the return of fast bowler Taskin Ahmed to the Test side after a prolonged absence from the format.

The fixture also comes against the backdrop of Bangladesh’s 2–0 Test series victory in Pakistan in 2024, a result that remains part of recent cricketing history between the two sides. While both teams have treated that series as a closed chapter, it continues to be referenced as a point of context ahead of this contest.

Bangladesh have opted for a pace-heavy bowling attack for this match, a notable selection decision given Mirpur’s traditional reputation for assisting spin. The side includes three specialist fast bowlers—Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, and Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury—alongside two frontline spinners, Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who also provides all-round capability.

Pakistan, meanwhile, were forced into changes following an injury setback to senior batter Babar Azam, who was ruled out due to a knee injury sustained shortly before the match. His absence led to the Test debuts of two batters, Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal, as Pakistan reshuffled their top order.

Bangladesh Playing XI

Pakistan Playing XI

The match commenced with both sides fielding balanced combinations of pace and spin, reflecting contrasting selection strategies for the conditions in Mirpur.