Rawalpindi, August 21, 2024, The Europe Today: Bangladesh won the toss and chose to bowl against Pakistan in the first Test at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Wednesday. The match, part of the World Test Championship (WTC) third cycle (2023-2025), faced a significant delay due to a wet outfield following overnight rain in Rawalpindi.
Despite the delay, the match is set to resume with a total of 48 overs scheduled for the day. The final session will begin at 4:40 p.m. after the tea break, with play continuing until 6:00 p.m., with a possible 30-minute extension to complete the overs.
Pakistan, led by Shan Masood, opted for an all-pace attack, featuring Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shehzad, and Mohammad Ali. This strategy reflects Pakistan’s intent to capitalize on the conditions in Rawalpindi.
Both teams are eager to improve their standings on the WTC points table, with Pakistan currently ranked sixth and Bangladesh eighth. Historically, Pakistan has dominated this rivalry, winning 12 of the 13 Test matches played between the two nations, with one match ending in a draw.
The second Test of the series will also be held in Rawalpindi, starting on August 30, after being relocated from Karachi due to construction work at the stadium.
