Shaheen Afridi Strikes Early as Pakistan Elects to Field in First Dhaka Test

Pakistan’s pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi made an immediate impact, removing opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy early after captain Shan Masood won the toss and elected to bowl first in the opening Test at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

Mahmudul fell for a duck, feathering an edge to wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan off a sharp delivery from Afridi.

Team Composition & Strategy

The visitors opted for a three-pronged pace attack, citing a green-tinged surface. Shaheen is joined by Hasan Ali and the experienced Mohammad Abbas. Pakistan also handed debuts to Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal, following the late withdrawal of Babar Azam due to a knee injury.

Bangladesh matched the visitors' pace-heavy strategy, fielding Taskin Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain, and Nahid Rana. Taskin’s return is particularly significant, marking his first red-ball appearance since late 2024.

The match marks a fresh start for both sides in the ICC World Test Championship cycle. While Bangladesh enters with the confidence of their historic 2-0 sweep in Rawalpindi (August 2024), both teams are shaking off the rust of a long hiatus from the longest format of the game.