Bangladesh host Pakistan in the 1st Test of the 2026 series at Shere Bangla National Stadium with the visitors looking to extend their 12-2 head-to-head record across 15 Tests.
Najmul Hossain Shanto’s home side draws confidence from their stunning 2-0 series win over Pakistan in 2024, while Shan Masood’s experienced unit aims to reclaim their old supremacy on the subcontinent.
The 1st Test takes place on May 8, 2026, at 9:30 AM local time at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka.
BAN vs PAK Betting Odds
Pakistan enter as favourites thanks to their dominant 12-2 head-to-head record. However, Bangladesh’s 2-0 series win in Pakistan in 2024 keeps the markets close.
| Platform | BAN Win Odds | BAN Win % | PAK Win Odds | PAK Win % | Draw Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1xBet | 2.85 | 35% | 1.75 | 57% | 4.50 |
| Stake | 2.80 | 36% | 1.78 | 56% | 4.40 |
| 4RABET | 2.90 | 34% | 1.72 | 58% | 4.50 |
| BetVibe | 2.95 | 34% | 1.70 | 59% | 4.50 |
| Parimatch | 2.85 | 35% | 1.75 | 57% | 4.50 |
BAN vs PAK Head-to-Head Record
Pakistan dominate the head-to-head 12-2 across 15 Tests since 2001, with one drawn match. Pakistan hold an 80% win rate over Bangladesh in this rivalry, though Bangladesh’s recent 2-0 sweep in 2024 has changed the narrative.
| Team | Matches | Won | Lost | Drawn | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | 15 | 12 | 2 | 1 | 80.00% |
| Bangladesh | 15 | 2 | 12 | 1 | 13.33% |
Recent Form
Bangladesh shocked Pakistan with a 2-0 series win on Pakistani soil in August 2024, becoming the first Asian side to whitewash Pakistan in a Test series at home.
Pakistan have rebuilt their squad with experienced campaigners returning to the format under Shan Masood’s leadership.
Dhaka Weather Report
Hot and humid conditions expected at Shere Bangla National Stadium with a moderate rain threat across the five-day Test.
Pre-monsoon weather typical of Bangladesh in May means brief showers could affect play.
| Weather Aspect | Forecast |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 26°C to 35°C |
| Humidity | 70% to 85% |
| Rain Chance | 25% to 40% |
| Wind Speed | 8 to 14 km/h |
| Conditions | Partly cloudy, humid |
Shere Bangla National Stadium Pitch Report
The Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur traditionally offers a slow surface that turns sharply from Day 2 onwards.
The pitch significantly assists spinners with grip and bounce as the match progresses.
| Pitch Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Pitch Type | Slow, spin-friendly |
| Avg 1st Innings Score | 270-300 runs |
| Pace vs Spin | Spinners dominate from Day 2 |
| Toss Factor | Batting first preferred |
| Key Factor | Surface deteriorates rapidly after Day 3 |
The pitch offers some assistance to seamers in the first session before becoming a spinner’s paradise.
Moreover, both sides boast world-class spin attacks featuring Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz for Bangladesh alongside Noman Ali and Sajid Khan for Pakistan.
Additionally, batting in the fourth innings becomes extremely difficult on this Mirpur surface.
BAN vs PAK Probable Playing 11
Both sides will field experienced units with their trusted spin attacks taking centre stage in Mirpur conditions.
Bangladesh Playing 11
Bangladesh will field a balanced unit led by captain Najmul Hossain Shanto with Mushfiqur Rahim keeping wickets. The probable playing 11 reads Shadman Islam, Tanzid Hasan, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nayeem Hasan, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, and Nahid Rana.
Pakistan Playing 11
Pakistan will field an experienced unit captained by Shan Masood with Mohammad Rizwan returning behind the stumps. The probable playing 11 reads Shan Masood (c), Abdullah Fazal, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Salman Agha, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Sajid Khan, Noman Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Abbas, and Khurram Shahzad.
Key Players to Watch
| Player | Stats |
|---|---|
| Najmul Hossain Shanto (BAN) | 8 Tests, 607 runs at 46.69 avg, 58.19 SR |
| Shadman Islam (BAN) | 9 Tests, 594 runs at 37.13 avg, 57.72 SR |
| Taijul Islam (BAN) | 10 Tests, 54 wickets at 3.11 econ, SR 51.83 |
| Mehidy Hasan Miraz (BAN) | 9 Tests, 27 wickets at 2.86 econ, SR 66.96 |
| Shan Masood (PAK) | 10 Tests, 752 runs at 39.58 avg, 60.69 SR |
| Saud Shakeel (PAK) | 10 Tests, 665 runs at 35 avg, 54.77 SR |
| Noman Ali (PAK) | 6 Tests, 50 wickets at 3.27 econ, SR 29.40 |
| Sajid Khan (PAK) | 6 Tests, 40 wickets at 3.95 econ, SR 35.15 |
Match Prediction and Analysis
Pakistan will edge this 1st Test thanks to their balanced unit and stronger overall squad balance. Shan Masood’s 752 runs at average 39.58 anchors a top order that includes Babar Azam’s class and Saud Shakeel’s 665 runs.
The visiting spin attack featuring Noman Ali (50 wickets at SR 29.40) and Sajid Khan (40 wickets at SR 35.15) carries significant Mirpur experience after their recent India-conditions performances.
Bangladesh counter with Najmul Hossain Shanto’s 607 runs and Taijul Islam’s 54-wicket haul, but their batting consistency outside Shanto and Shadman remains the bigger concern against Shaheen Shah Afridi’s new-ball threat.
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Final Verdict
Pakistan will start their tour with a Test win to break Bangladesh’s recent dominance over them.
Expect Shan Masood and Babar Azam to anchor the innings while Noman Ali and Sajid Khan target Bangladesh’s middle order on the spinning Mirpur surface.
Bangladesh need Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim to fire alongside Taijul Islam’s experienced spin spells to repeat their 2024 heroics on home soil.
Winner Prediction: Pakistan
Win Probability: 57%
