In the world of Test cricket, there is always pressure on teams to perform, and that pressure is definitely mounting for both Pakistan and Bangladesh as they head into their upcoming series. Both nations have lost their last three Test matches, a concerning statistic that highlights the importance of a strong start in the upcoming series in Rawalpindi.
The stage is set at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, where the weather is predicted to be dry, with sunshine and extremely hot conditions throughout the five days of play. With temperatures soaring above 30c, the conditions will test the players’ endurance and fitness.
Pakistan, who last faced Test cricket in Australia, will be looking to bounce back from their 3-0 whitewash at the hands of Pat Cummins’ side. The home team will be eager to make amends on familiar territory, but they are well aware that taking 20 wickets on a Rawalpindi pitch is no easy task.
In their last five Test matches, Pakistan have managed only two wins, with three losses highlighting their inconsistent form. They will be itching to turn things around and regain their winning ways on home soil.
On the other side, Bangladesh is also coming off the back of three consecutive Test defeats, having fallen twice to Sri Lanka and once to New Zealand. However, they did manage to secure a memorable victory against the Black Caps earlier, proving that they are not a team to be underestimated.
In the last five Test matches, Bangladesh has had a similar record to Pakistan, with only two wins and three losses. The Tigers will be looking to put up a strong fight and showcase their resilience against the home team.
When it comes to betting analysis, Pakistan’s batters are expected to dominate in the batting paradise that is Rawalpindi. Players like Babar Azam and Shan Masood will be key for the home team, with Babar in particular looking to make a mark in Test cricket. Punters may want to consider betting on Babar to score over 89.5 match runs and backing Masood to finish as Pakistan’s top batter in the first Test.
For Bangladesh, the focus will be on batting long and batting well against Pakistan’s likely all-pace attack. Players like Najmul Hossain Shanto will be crucial for the Tigers, with the skipper expected to lead from the front. Punters can explore betting on Shanto to score a half-century in Bangladesh’s first innings.
As the series approaches, both teams will be hoping to put their recent losses behind them and start fresh in Rawalpindi. The pressure is on, but with the right strategies and performances, either Pakistan or Bangladesh could emerge victorious in this highly anticipated Test series.
