3 things Bangladesh need to do right to beat Pakistan in 1st Test in Rawalpindi
Bangladesh are set to play a two-match Test series against Pakistan away from home. They will be hoping to give the nation something to cheer for as they undergo a testing period amid the political turmoil. The Najmul Hossain Shanto-led side will take the field on Wednesday, August 21, in Rawalpindi for the series opener.
Bangladesh kickstarted their 2023-25 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle with a win over New Zealand, but they failed to close out the series. They were then comprehensively beaten by Sri Lanka in a two-match series and are currently placed eighth in the points table.
The upcoming series marks Bangladesh's first overseas red-ball assignment since 2022. Their last away campaign was against the West Indies, and following that, they have played eight straight matches on home soil.
With a difficult assignment against India lined up after this, Bangladesh will have to be at their very best against their subcontinent rivals to produce something out of this series. They will hope to avoid a bottom-placed finish in the WTC standings like the first two editions.
On that note, let us take a look at three things Bangladesh need to do right to beat Pakistan in first Test in Rawalpindi.
#1 Rely on basics to counter the potential spicy pitch
The surface in Rawalpindi has been in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons in recent times. The last few contests at the venue have been high-scoring affairs with nothing in it for the bowlers, leading to a 'below average' rating after ICC's assessment. The verdict was, however, rescinded after PCB's appeal.
This time around the surface is expected to play a lot differently, with Pakistan's bowling attack being an indication. They have chosen to field an all-pace bowling attack, and with overcast conditions expected, it will prove to be a huge challenge.
Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah are bound to make the ball talk and the rather inexperienced Bangladesh batters will have to cope with it. In times like these, sticking to the basics and applying them as much as possible might be the way to go.
Not so long ago, Zakir Hasan and Najmul Hossain Shanto had put up a resilient fight against Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, and spinners in the fourth innings to survive 46 overs. That could be the benchmark, as the team need such temperament and application in this series as well.
#2 The experienced middle order needs to step up
Bangladesh's middle-order is rife with experience although the lack in form is glaring. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto, who will play at the crucial No.3 position has struggled for runs in his last set of red-ball appearances.
The team expect a lot from the combined experience of Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim, should the latter recover in time from injury. The duo will be the backbone of the batting unit and their efforts, primarily with the bat are their best shot at troubling Pakistan. However, despite their priceless experience, the form is concerning.
Litton Das also has a crucial role in the setup. His decision making has been questionable in the past, and that is one trait you do not want in a batter who needs to hang around with the lower order to extend the score. The wicketkeeper-batter has had a string of starts and some poor scores in his recent appearances, and will have to step up his game.
#3 Take advantage of Pakistan's home woes
Pakistan are desperate to find a style of play and an identity on home turf, with both captain and coach, Shan Masood and Jason Gillespie emphasizing the same during the build-up.
The Men in Green have made a concrete effort to ramp up their scoring rate in the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. They would be on the lookout to replicate the same on home turf as well, considering they did not win a single match in Pakistan during the previous cycle.
Bangladesh should look to be proactive with both bat and ball, and not allow Pakistan to settle in any department. Keeping things tight with the ball and making the home side work hard for their runs will do Bangladesh a world of good. The opposition have several batters among their ranks quite capable of making the most of a great start, and to avoid that Bangladesh must keep pressing, pushing and prodding to make them uncomfortable on their own turf.