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Shoriful Islam. (Picture Credit: AFP)
The first Test of the two-match series between Pakistan and Bangladesh is scheduled to start on Wednesday (August 21) in Rawalpindi.
Bangladesh pacer Shoriful Islam has revealed his dream of claiming Babar Azam’s wicket in the upcoming Test series. Bangladesh and Pakistan will face each other in a two-match Test series that starts on Wednesday (August 21) in Rawalpindi. Days ahead of the series opener, Shoriful talked about how Babar is a massive threat for Bangladesh.
Speaking to Cricket Pakistan, the Bangladesh pacer also lavished praise on the ace Pakistan batter. “Babar is a tough challenge for Bangladesh. So, we have to take his wicket quickly. He is also my dream wicket. I will be very happy if I can get his wicket,” Shoriful said.
Shoriful further discussed how he met Babar in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) last year. “I played with him last year in the CPL. He is a very good person,” he said.
Shoriful also talked about how Babar, along with his teammate Shan Masood, will be the biggest challenges for Bangladesh bowlers. “Babar and Shan Masood are world-class batters. But our bowling attack is also strong enough. We can put up a strong fight against them. Our task will be difficult as they play on their home ground. We have to stay prepared.”
Discussing the conditions in Rawalpindi, Shoriful revealed that he was aware of the bowler-friendly pitch. He talked about how his team is looking to take advantage of the conditions with their seam bowlers.
“I’ve heard there’s expected to be patches of grass on the pitch, though I haven’t seen it myself yet. Every fast bowler likes that because it offers seam movement. So, if that’s the case, it’s definitely a good thing,” he added.
Islam is gradually transitioning back to red-ball cricket after competing in franchise tournaments for a while now. He acknowledged that the red-ball format requires a ‘different kind’ of preparation, both physical and mental.
As for Pakistan, the Asian giants have not played Test matches since their 0-3 loss to Australia earlier this year in January. Pakistan last faced Bangladesh in Tests during a home series in December 2021. They won that series 2-0 and will now be looking to repeat the same at home this year.