In unrelated news, authorities reported that Kapila Chandrasena, the former Chief Executive Officer of SriLankan Airlines, has been found dead under suspicious circumstances at a residence in Colpetty. In cricket, Bangladesh and Pakistan are set to face off in a Test series after a long break from the sport. Bangladesh last played Test cricket against Ireland at home, while Pakistan split their two Tests against South Africa in October. This series marks the first red-ball international cricket for Pakistan in 14 months, as they focused on T20 matches leading up to the T20 World Cup and the PSL season. Bangladesh, on the other hand, has had limited international matches this year, participating only in an ODI series against Pakistan and hosting New Zealand for white-ball games. They have won all three series in 2026, a record that Pakistan will aim to challenge more effectively than two years ago. In their last encounter in 2024, Bangladesh's seam bowlers outperformed Pakistan's. Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed, and Nahid Rana caused significant issues for Pakistan's batting lineup. Rana is currently in strong form, having excelled in the PSL final and during the ODI series against Pakistan. Bangladesh's pace attack is expected to include Shoriful Islam and Ebadot Hossain, which could present a challenge to Pakistan. However, Pakistan might be hoping for a spin-friendly pitch. After their defeat to Bangladesh in 2024, Pakistan shifted their strategy to a spin-friendly approach in the first Test, allowing bowlers like Sajid Khan and Noman Ali to flourish. If Mirpur supports spinners, Pakistan believes they have the right players to compete effectively. Mushfiqur Rahim, who scored a century in his 100th Test against Ireland last November, will be facing Pakistan again, despite speculation about his retirement. His performance in that match and his past innings against Pakistan show his continued importance to the Bangladesh team. Sajid Khan has had limited chances in international matches outside Pakistan, but he had a memorable performance in Mirpur against Bangladesh, taking eight wickets in the first innings and four in the second, leading to a significant victory for Pakistan. This series provides Sajid with an opportunity to display his skills away from home. Bangladesh is likely to make changes to their lineup, bringing in Taskin Ahmed and Nahid Rana to replace Khaled Ahmed and Hasan Murad. Shoriful Islam's recent performances in white-ball cricket may affect Ebadot Hossain’s position on the team.
