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MIRPUR: Pakistan created a unique milestone in their red-ball history after fielding an unprecedented combination in the opening Test against Bangladesh at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Friday.
Playing their 468th Test match, Pakistan featured seven left-handed batters in the same playing XI for the first time ever, marking a rare moment in the team’s long-standing Test journey.
The historic line-up included uncapped batters Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal alongside experienced left-handers Imam-ul-Haq, captain Shan Masood and vice-captain Saud Shakeel. Left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi and spinner Noman Ali further added to the unique combination.
Pakistan entered the opening Test with a relatively fresh-looking top order, handing opportunities to young players as part of their preparations for the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle.
Meanwhile, star batter Babar Azam was not included in the playing XI after suffering a left knee injury ahead of the match.
Pakistan skipper Shan Masood elected to field first, and the visitors made an encouraging start through Shaheen Shah Afridi, who removed opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy for eight with just 18 runs on the board.
The pressure intensified shortly after when Hasan Ali struck in his very first over, dismissing Shadman Islam for 13 to leave Bangladesh struggling at 31-2 in the morning session.
However, the hosts responded positively through a composed rebuilding effort from captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mominul Haque.
The experienced pair absorbed the early pressure before gradually shifting momentum back in Bangladesh’s favour with a patient and unbeaten 70-run stand for the third wicket at the end of the first session.
Pakistan XI for first Bangladesh Test: Shan Masood (c), Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Fazal, Azan Awais, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, Noman Ali and Sajid Khan.
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