Cricket: A Test of patience for in-form Pakistan

Bangladesh take on the tourists in five-day format after 8 years.

CHITTAGONG: Pakistan will begin their first Test series in Bangladesh for almost a decade in Chittagong today, determined to extend their 100 per cent winning record against the hosts.

The tourists have already asserted their supremacy over Bangladesh by making a 3-0 clean sweep of the One-Day International (ODI) series. Pakistan played their lone Test series in Bangladesh in January 2002,which they won 2-0.

The tourists were not seriously tested in the ODIs after putting in impressive performances with both bat and ball. But Younus Khan said that he expected a tough fight from Bangladesh in the Tests.

“When we play Tests, we expect a Test-level competition,” he said. “They struggled in the ODIs but Test cricket is a different ball game. If they stick to their goals, they will give us tough competition. It will not be easy for us since Bangladesh are playing in home conditions.”

Bangladesh strengthened their batting by including former captain and middle-order batsman Mohammad Ashraful in the 15-man squad.

“During the ODIs, our fielders and bowlers did a good job, so it’s time our batsmen put up a good performance,” said Bangladesh batsman Shahriar Nafees.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 9^th, 2011.