Bangladesh were asked to bat first after losing the toss in the opening Test against Pakistan at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. Pakistan captain Shan Masood won the toss and opted to field, sending Bangladesh in under conditions expected to offer early assistance to the bowlers.
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto stated that the team were prepared to bat first on what has been described as a sporting surface. The visitors’ decision to bowl first means Bangladesh will aim to establish a substantial first-innings total to set the tone for the match.
A notable feature of the Bangladesh selection is the inclusion of three specialist pace bowlers. Taskin Ahmed returns to the Test XI after a prolonged break from the format, joining Nahid Rana and Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury in the pace attack. The combination reflects a tactical adjustment from Bangladesh, who have often relied more heavily on spin at this venue.
The spin department is led by Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, both of whom provide experience and control in home conditions traditionally favourable to slower bowlers. The balance of the XI indicates an attempt to blend pace and spin more evenly than in previous home Tests.
Pakistan, meanwhile, made late adjustments to their batting line-up following an injury to senior batter Babar Azam, who was ruled out due to a knee injury sustained the previous evening. His absence led to the introduction of two debutants in the Test XI: Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal, both making their first appearance at this level.
Pakistan’s side features a mix of experienced campaigners and new entrants, with Shan Masood leading the team and Mohammad Rizwan continuing in his role as wicketkeeper.
Bangladesh’s squad selection also reflects continuity in the middle order, with experienced batters Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Kumar Das, and Mominul Haque included alongside the top-order group.
Playing XIs
| Bangladesh | Pakistan |
|---|---|
| Najmul Hossain Shanto (c) | Shan Masood (c) |
| Mahmudul Hasan Joy | Azan Awais |
| Shadman Islam | Imam-ul-Haq |
| Mominul Haque | Abdullah Fazal |
| Mushfiqur Rahim | Saud Shakeel |
| Litton Kumar Das | Mohammad Rizwan (wk) |
| Mehidy Hasan Miraz | Salman Agha |
| Taijul Islam | Shaheen Afridi |
| Taskin Ahmed | Noman Ali |
| Nahid Rana | Hasan Ali |
| Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury | Mohammad Abbas |
The match also carries contextual relevance, as Bangladesh had previously recorded a 2–0 Test series victory in Pakistan in 2024, a result acknowledged by both teams but treated as separate from the present contest. The focus in Mirpur remains firmly on the opening exchanges after Pakistan’s decision to field first.