Pakistan vs Bangladesh Test Series 2026: Masood Confident Despite Babar's Injury

Why this matters: Babar Azam's absence is a significant blow to Pakistan's batting lineup, placing more pressure on other batsmen to perform. Bangladesh's focus on strong first-innings scores indicates their strategy to leverage their pace attack.

Pakistan's Test series against Bangladesh begins with the home side looking to capitalize on their favorable conditions. Shan Masood has highlighted the importance of taking 20 wickets in Test cricket, expressing faith in his team's bowling capabilities. The team's confidence is being tested early with Babar Azam's injury, which led to two debutants being included in the first Test.

Bangladesh, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, aims to set the stage with substantial first-innings totals, allowing their pace bowlers to dominate. The inclusion of Tanzid Hasan Tamim and the return of Taskin Ahmed bolster their squad.

Pakistan Squad: Shan Masood (captain), Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Azan Awais, Babar Azam, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wicket-keeper), Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Bangladesh Squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque Showrab, Mushfiqur Rahim (wicket-keeper), Litton Kumer Das (wicket-keeper), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury, Shoriful Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Tanzid Hasan and Amite Hasan.

Babar Azam is ruled out due to a left knee injury.

Abdullah Fazal and Azan Awais are making their Test debuts.

The Pakistan vs Bangladesh Test series is set to be a competitive contest. Keep an eye on how Pakistan's batting lineup adjusts to Babar Azam's absence and whether Bangladesh can capitalize on their home conditions by posting big scores. The performance of the debutants will also be crucial for Pakistan.

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