Weather may impact Pakistan-Bangladesh Test opener in Rawalpindi

As Pakistan and Bangladesh gear up for the first Test match on August 21 in Rawalpindi, weather conditions are expected to play a crucial role, particularly during the opening day’s play.

According to AccuWeather, the morning session could be affected by a strong thunderstorm, with a 40% chance of rain and around 2.5 mm of precipitation predicted. This could lead to interruptions, with high humidity levels at 85% further complicating conditions on the field.

Conditions are expected to improve in the afternoon, with temperatures rising to 31°C and the probability of rain dropping to just 7%. Humidity will decrease to 62%, offering more favourable conditions for players.

As the evening approaches, the temperature will cool down to 26°C, and clear skies are expected, with minimal cloud cover of 4%. Humidity will rise again to 73%, but no precipitation is expected, allowing the evening session to proceed uninterrupted.

While the morning may see disruptions, the weather is expected to clear up for the afternoon and evening sessions.

Pakistan's Playing XI includes Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Khurram Shehzad, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Bangladesh's squad is led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, featuring key players such as Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim, ready to take on the challenge.