Sports Desk:

The first Test of the Bangladesh-Pakistan series will commence on August 21 in Rawalpindi. A day before the match, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced their playing XI. There could be a change in Babar Azam’s batting position.

Typically, Babar Azam has batted in the opening and one-down positions. However, in this series, he will be seen batting at number four. Abdullah Shafique will open the innings alongside Saim Ayub. The captain, Shan Masood, will bat at number three.

Naseem Shah returns to red-ball cricket after a 13-month absence, and Mohammad Ali has also been included in the best XI along with Shaheen Shah Afridi.

The first Test will be played from August 21 to 25 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

Pakistan’s XI for the First Test:

Shan Masood (Captain)

Saud Shakeel (Vice-Captain)

Abdullah Shafique

Babar Azam

Khurram Shehzad

Mohammad Ali

Mohammad Rizwan (Wicketkeeper)

Naseem Shah

Saim Ayub

Salman Ali Agha

Shaheen Shah Afridi