PAK vs BAN 1st Test 2026: Scores, Playing XI & News Update

Friends, the PSL 11 (Pakistan Super League) extravaganza has just ended, and another big news has come out for the cricket fans. The Pakistan cricket team is now on a tour of Bangladesh, where the first Test match of the series has started today, i.e., on 8 May 2026. This series is not just an ordinary series, but is a part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC). This means that every run and every wicket is very important. If Pakistan has to remain in the race for the WTC final, then it will be necessary to defeat Bangladesh in their own home.

Even before the match started, some bad news came out for Pakistan. Team backbone and world-class batsman Babar Azam has been ruled out of the first Test due to injury. Babar's absence leaves a significant gap in Pakistan's batting line-up, but the responsibility now rests heavily on the remaining batsmen, especially Saud Shakeel and Abdullah Shafique.

Toss Update

There was plenty of sunshine in Mirpur this morning, and the pitch looked good for batting. Captain Shan Masood found luck in his favor, winning the toss and electing to bat first. Shan believes that Bangladesh's spin bowling could be difficult to play against in the fourth innings, so it's crucial to post a big total in the first innings.

Pakistan Playing 11

Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood (C), Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Salman Ali Agha, Aamer Jamal, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed, Mir Hamza.

Bangladesh Playing 11

Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Najmul Hossain Shanto (C), Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das (WK), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana.

Bangladesh ki pehchan hamesha se unki spin bowling rahi hai, lekin pichle kuch saalon mein unka fast bowling department bohot improve hua hai. Is waqt sab ki nazrein Nahid Rana par hain. Nahid Rana ki speed 150 km/h ko touch karti hai, jo kisi bhi batter ke liye Bangladesh ki slow pitches par ek surprise factor hota hai. Unka bounce aur aggression Pakistani openers ke liye bada imtihan hoga.

Shan Masood par kafi pressure hai kyunke unhe Babar Azam ke bagair batting ko sambhalna hai. Pakistan ki koshish hogi ke wo pehle do din batting karein aur kam se kam 400+ runs banayein. Abrar Ahmed (the mystery spinner) Pakistan ke liye bowling mein key player honge kyunke Bangladesh ki pitches spinners ko kafi support karti hain.

World Test Championship (WTC)

Pakistan record and position:

If we look at the ICC World Test Championship points table, Pakistan is currently at number 5. Pakistan has played a total of two matches in this cycle so far, in which they have achieved a resounding victory in one match, while one match ended in a draw. Currently, Pakistan's Points Percentage (PCT) is 50%. This series against Bangladesh is a golden opportunity for Pakistan, as a win here will take them closer to the top three teams in the points table. Despite Babar Azam's absence, Shan Masood will try to secure maximum points and remain in the race for the final.

Bangladesh's record and position:

On the other hand, Bangladesh is currently slightly behind in the table, languishing in 8th place. Bangladesh has also played two matches in this championship so far, but unfortunately, they have not won a single match. Their record so far is 1 loss and 1 draw, which results in a very low PCT (approximately 16.67%). Although Bangladesh always gives a tough time on their home ground, they need a win in this series at any cost to improve their rankings. Their fast bowling attack, especially Nahid Rana, looks promising to take Bangladesh to the top of the table this time.

This match is going to be a "Battle of Nerves." On one side is Bangladesh's strong home record and Nahid Rana's fast bowling, while on the other is Pakistan's passion and greed for WTC points. Will Pakistan's young batting line-up be able to hold their own in Babar Azam's absence? It will be very interesting to watch.