‘Bangladesh can give us a tough time’
Pakistan have a 10-0 record against Bangladesh from eleven Tests since 2001.. Six of these wins have been by either an innings or 300-plus runs and three by seven or more wickets.
The only time Bangladesh came close to beating Pakistan was in 2003 at Multan, when Pakistan were reduced to 257 for nine in chase of a target of 261.
But Inzamam- ul-Haq, batting alongside number eleven batsman Yasir Ali, led Pakistan to a thrilling one-wicket win.
Despite having all the stats and records beside them and a fine run of form in recent times, skipper Babar Azam is wary of the threat that he will face against Bangladesh in the first of the two-match Test series starting at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram today.
The new-look Pakistan side drew a two-match series in West Indies in August this year while also managing to win their previous two-Test series against Zimbabwe and South Africa.
"The difference is the conditions. This is their (Bangladesh) turf, they will play in their own conditions. We are not taking them lightly. They are missing out on a few experienced cricketers, some cricketers are in and out of the team. They are a young side. But those who will be playing, have the experience of playing in such conditions. It's a bit difficult for us to adjust in quick time. They can give us a tough time".
Apart from seamers like Shaheen Afridi and Hasan Ali, the visitors are well aware of the spinning tracks in Bangladesh and are banking on spinners Nauman Ali and Sajid Khan, who were included in the 12-member squad for the first Test.
" Our experienced bowlers will help and spinners are always key in Asian conditions. We have top-class spinners who have been playing for a long time. Our advantage is that many of us are in a nice rhythm and we need to carry the momentum into the Test series," he said.
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