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Pakistan Begins Mirpur Test Minus Babar, Bowling Ready

5/8/2026

44 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Pakistan began the Test in Mirpur on May 8, 2026, without Babar Azam, debuting Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal.
Shan Masood said Pakistan’s bowling attack is ready despite Babar’s pending fitness scan.
Najmul Hossain Shanto said Bangladesh must post 400 runs to give its pace attack a platform.
Masood noted Pakistan aims to improve on its ninth-place finish in the last World Test Championship cycle.

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Story summary

Pakistan began the Test in Mirpur on May 8, 2026, without Babar Azam, debuting Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal.
Shan Masood said Pakistan’s bowling attack is ready despite Babar’s pending fitness scan.
Najmul Hossain Shanto said Bangladesh must post 400 runs to give its pace attack a platform.
Masood noted Pakistan aims to improve on its ninth-place finish in the last World Test Championship cycle.