Pakistan vs Bangladesh: 3 players to watch out from Bangladesh team

Bangladesh made a significant entry into international cricket by eliminating the Indian team from the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2007, sending a strong statement to the cricketing world. Not only did they defeat India, but Bangladesh also established themselves as a formidable Asian team by performing well in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017, where they reached the semi-finals by defeating teams like New Zealand. They also surprised England in the 2015 World Cup.

However, in recent years, they have struggled, failing to qualify beyond the group stage in two World Cups and getting eliminated early in ICC events in 2023 and 2024. This is a big concern for the Bangladesh Cricket Board.

After failing to qualify for the semi-finals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 by losing a must-win game against Afghanistan, the Bangla Tigers will face Pakistan in a two-match Test series starting on August 23, 2024, in Pakistan. This series will be played as part of the ICC World Test Championship, which will culminate in June 2025. Despite a poor performance in the recently concluded World Cup, Bangladesh has identified some young players who could take the team forward in the upcoming series.

3 Players to Watch Out for in the Test Series Against Pakistan

1. Taskin Ahmed

Taskin Ahmed is known as one of the best fast bowlers from Bangladesh over the years. He was part of the team in the recently concluded ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, where he managed to pick up 8 wickets in 6 games with a bowling average of 6. The right-arm fast bowler has been among the leading wicket-takers for Bangladesh, having played a key role in the historic ODI series win against South Africa in 2022, where he took 5 for 35 in the deciding game in Centurion.

After suffering a shoulder injury in 2023, Taskin made a comeback as Najmul Hossain Shanto's deputy for the T20 World Cup in 2024. Despite his below-par performance, he was named in the team for the Pakistan tour after being out of the long format for more than a year. He was last seen playing in white jerseys against Afghanistan.

2. Shakib Al Hasan

Shakib Al Hasan is considered one of the best all-rounders in the world. However, in recent times, the star player has been unable to perform consistently for Bangladesh and has been in and out of the team due to several injuries.

The former Bangladesh captain is one of the senior players of the team who has been playing since its inception. Given the importance of the ICC World Test Championship, he has been included in the Test squad against Pakistan despite his average performance in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

Shakib was made captain in all formats in 2009 after Mashrafe Mortaza was sidelined by injury. Under Shakib's leadership, Bangladesh won 22 out of 47 ODIs and even beat England in the 2011 ODI World Cup.

3. Mushfiqur Rahim

Another player who could play a crucial role in the upcoming Test series against Pakistan is senior batter Mushfiqur Rahim, who is returning to the Test squad after missing the last Test series against Sri Lanka due to a thumb injury. However, he was not part of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, as he announced his retirement from the T20I format just before the marquee tournament. Despite this, he remains active in the longer format, and his experience will undoubtedly help the Bangladesh team in the upcoming series against Pakistan.

Bangladesh Test Squad:

Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Kumar Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Nahid Rana, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed, and Syed Khaled Ahmed.

The first Test between these teams will be played on August 21 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi. The second Test match will be held in Karachi.