Pakistan Predicted Playing XI vs Bangladesh: 1st Test Preview & Analysis 2026

Pakistan Seeks Redemptive Start in Mirpur Test

After the conclusion of the three-match ODI series between Pakistan and Bangladesh, the two teams will meet each other once again for a high-stakes two-match Test series starting from May 8. The hosts, the Bengal Tigers, are ready to lock horns against Pakistan for the first Test at their fortress, the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka. The match is set to go live from 9:30 AM IST, marking a crucial juncture for both nations in the current cricketing calendar.

After a disappointing ODI series defeat, the Pakistan team is pumped up to start their two-match Test series on a strong note. The red-ball format offers a different challenge and an opportunity for the visitors to re-establish their authority. The Pakistan Test squad, led by Shan Masood, features heavyweights such as Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi, and Hasan Ali, all ready to tackle the hosts in their home conditions.

Historical Dominance vs. Recent Momentum

Pakistan has largely dominated Bangladesh in terms of head-to-head statistics in Test cricket. Historically, the Men in Green have won 12 matches out of the 15 they have played against the Bengal Tigers. However, statistics only tell part of the story. After the recent ODI series loss, the team’s confidence might have taken a dent. A shift in format requires a shift in mindset.

With renewed confidence and energy, Pakistan will look to challenge the Najmul Hossain Shanto-led camp, which is filled with young talents and experienced veterans. As both teams gear up for the first Test, Pakistan will need to field their most balanced XI to counter Bangladesh’s unique home-ground challenge. Here is a detailed look at the predicted Pakistan Playing XI for the 1st Test.

The Top Order: Experience and Stability

The Opening Pair: Shan Masood and Imam-ul-Haq

Pakistan skipper Shan Masood will be taking charge of the opening duties alongside veteran Imam-ul-Haq. Masood has opened for Pakistan in nearly 54 Test innings, scoring five centuries. While he has occasionally struggled with consistency, his leadership role makes him a certainty at the top. Seeing the current team composition, Masood will likely be favored to partner the 30-year-old Imam, who last featured in Test cricket in October 2025.

This will be Imam-ul-Haq’s first stint in Bangladesh, but his record in Asian conditions is formidable. He boasts an average of 43.50 from 32 innings in Asia, including three centuries. His ability to anchor the innings and negotiate the new ball will be vital in setting a platform for the middle order.

The Core: Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan

Babar Azam is expected to come in at No. 3. While Babar has traditionally been a solid Test player, his statistics at the number three position have shown some inconsistency with an average of 26.48. However, his class is permanent, and his presence at the crease is essential to anchor any accidental scares early in the game. Following him is Mohammad Rizwan at No. 4. Although Rizwan has more experience batting lower down the order, his tactical acumen and ability to handle pressure make him a strong candidate for this middle-order anchor role.

Middle Order and All-Round Depth

The Asian Specialists: Saud Shakeel and Salman Agha

The middle order will be bolstered by Saud Shakeel at number five. The 30-year-old left-handed batter enters the series with momentum from a decent PSL 2026 campaign. In Asian conditions, Shakeel is a titan, boasting a massive average of 57.77 from 30 Test innings, supported by four centuries and nine half-centuries. His ability to play spin will be the cornerstone of Pakistan’s batting in Dhaka.

Salman Agha follows Shakeel at number six. Agha is a crafty all-rounder who averages 43.44 in Asian countries. With three centuries and eight half-centuries to his name, he provides depth to the batting while offering crucial right-arm off-break bowling options on a pitch expected to take turn from day one.

The Spin Specialist: Sajid Khan

At number seven, Sajid Khan is expected to be the primary spin threat. The 32-year-old veteran has an exceptional record in Bangladesh, having taken 16 wickets in just four innings. His career-best figures of 8/42 came in these very conditions, where he averaged 15.00 at a staggering strike rate of 33.0. His inclusion is non-negotiable for a Mirpur pitch known for its turn and bounce.

The Bowling Arsenal: Pace and Precision

Pakistan’s bowling department looks extremely strong for the Mirpur Test. The pace attack is led by Shaheen Afridi, whose ability to generate swing with the new ball remains a primary weapon. He will be supported by Hasan Ali, whose aggressive seam bowling and mastery over reverse swing make him particularly effective on subcontinent tracks.

Khurram Shahzad’s disciplined line and length provide the necessary control, ensuring there is no let-up in pressure. To complement Sajid Khan, veteran left-arm spinner Noman Ali is likely to feature. Noman’s accuracy and ability to extract consistent turn could prove devastating for Bangladesh’s middle order. With multiple wicket-taking options across both pace and spin, this unit appears well-equipped to dominate.

Pakistan Predicted Playing XI vs Bangladesh

• Imam-ul-Haq
• Shan Masood (C)
• Babar Azam
• Mohammad Rizwan (WK)
• Saud Shakeel
• Salman Agha
• Sajid Khan
• Hasan Ali
• Shaheen Afridi
• Noman Ali
• Khurram Shahzad