Pakistan, Bangladesh renew rivalry in first Test

DHAKA (AFP): Bangladesh and Pakistan open their two-match Test series in Mirpur on Friday, with the hosts aiming to complete a remarkable double after their historic away whitewash in 2024.

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has made no secret of his ambitions, insisting his side must post big first-innings totals to give their potent pace attack the platform to take 20 wickets.

“The important thing is scoring runs. If we score 400 in 80 overs, no problem. If someone takes 120 overs, I also have no problem,” Shanto told a pre-match news conference on Thursday. “So the runs are important.”

The pitch at Mirpur, which carries a grassy tinge ahead of the first day, has set the tone for what promises to be a pace-dominated contest.

Shanto believes his fast bowlers hold a slight edge over Pakistan’s attack.

“In the pace bowling department, I would say both teams have good pace attacks,” he said. “But if you ask me, I would say our pace bowling attack is maybe slightly ahead, if I look at the last few years and how they have been bowling.”

Pakistan skipper Shan Masood politely pushed back.

“We’re not going to dwell on comparisons. They’ve got their qualities, we’ve got our qualities,” Masood said, while also acknowledging the quality of the Bangladesh attack.

“We’re relishing the occasion of facing a good attack and hopefully getting some runs against them.”

Bangladesh have bolstered their batting with the inclusion of attacking opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim, while Taskin Ahmed returns from injury to strengthen an already experienced pace unit alongside the exciting Nahid Rana.

Shanto wants Tamim to play his natural game.

“The way he plays ODI and T20 cricket, I want him to play the same way,” Shanto said.

Pakistan will take confidence from Babar Azam’s rich run of form in the Pakistan Super League, with Masood hopeful that the prolific batter can carry that momentum into red-ball cricket.

However, there was uncertainty in Pakistan’s camp on Thursday after Babar underwent a scan following the team’s practice session, with his fitness for the series opener yet to be confirmed.

Pakistan is eager to avenge their 2024 series loss, although Masood rejected the notion of revenge.

“We must give credit to the Bangladesh team, the way they came out, they prepared in 2024,” he said. “So we’re not going to take any opposition lightly.”