Dhaka witnessed a fresh chapter in Pakistan’s Test rebuilding on Friday as the tourists handed maiden caps to Abdullah Fazal and Azan Awais ahead of the opening match against Bangladesh. The decision came after Babar Azam was ruled out because of a left knee injury, prompting Pakistan to lean on two left-handed top-order options as they unveiled their XI for the first Test of a two-game series. With the toss won by Pakistan captain Shan Masood, the visitors opted to bowl first at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, though most of the early buzz naturally revolved around the two debutants.
Two debutants set for the spotlight
Abdullah Fazal, a 23-year-old opener from Karachi, has steadily built his case in Pakistan’s domestic set-up through dependable red-ball performances. Across 25 first-class matches, he has amassed 1,828 runs at an average of 41.54. His numbers include four centuries and ten fifties, with a standout knock of 182. Fazal’s ability to contribute consistently at the top has earned him the opportunity to step into Test cricket.
His partner in the XI, Azan Awais, arrives at 21 with an equally strong domestic profile and the reputation of being one of the more promising left-handed batters in Pakistan’s pipeline. From Sialkot, Awais has made a notable impact in his first-class career, scoring 2,673 runs in 33 matches at 48.60. The run-making has come with 10 hundreds and nine fifties, and he is also backed by a highest score of 203 not out, underlining his ability to play long innings when required.
Pakistan’s batting card for the match includes Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Fazal, Shan Masood, Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan. In the bowling mix, the side also brings back experienced pace bowler Mohammad Abbas alongside Shaheen Shah Afridi and Hasan Ali. Noman Ali is named as the lone specialist spinner, completing a unit that blends youth in the top order with a familiar mix of pace and spin.
For Bangladesh, the hosts have made a significant recall as fast bowler Taskin Ahmed returns to Test action for the first time since December 2024, following recovery from injury. Bangladesh’s bowling group also comprises Nahid Rana, Ebadot Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam, ensuring they will have variety across conditions and phases of the game. The series itself is seen as an important period for Pakistan, as they begin the next stage of their Test journey by placing faith in a younger batting core.
Playing XIs
Bangladesh: Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto (capt), Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain, Nahid Rana.
Pakistan: Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Fazal, Shan Masood (capt), Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Noman Ali, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Abbas.
