Bangladesh Tour of Pakistan 2024 1st Test: Betting Tips and Match Predictions

Bangladesh is in Pakistan for a 2-match Test series starting from 21st August 2024, and cricket fans and bookies are looking forward to a thrilling contest.

This will be the first full series Bangladesh is playing in Pakistan in several years, marking a significant return to a country with a rich cricketing history. Both Tests will be played at the iconic Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, promising intense cricket action and plenty of opportunities for bettors.

Bangladesh Current Test Form:

Bangladesh’s Test team comes into this series after a mixed bag of performances in their last few Test matches. They won comfortably against Afghanistan at home, but playing in Pakistan is a different challenge altogether.

The top scorer for Bangladesh in their last series was Mushfiqur Rahim, who was consistent with the bat. He will be crucial again if Bangladesh wants to compete strongly with Pakistan.

In their last Test against Afghanistan, Bangladesh posted a big total thanks to the efforts of Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan. The bowlers then took over, with Ebadot Hossain leading the charge to a comfortable win. However, Ebadot is not part of this series, so Bangladesh will rely on the likes of Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud, and Taskin Ahmed to lead the bowling attack in Pakistan.

For this series, Bangladesh is led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, with a squad that includes key players like Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, and Litton Kumer Das. The experience of these players will be crucial in adapting to the challenging conditions in Pakistan.

Pakistan Current Test Form:

Pakistan, on the other hand, has been formidable in home conditions. In their last series against New Zealand, they showcased their dominance with both bat and ball, securing a series win.

Babar Azam, one of the world's top batters, will be key for Pakistan. His consistency and ability to anchor the innings will be vital in this series. Pakistan's bowling attack, led by Shaheen Shah Afridi and supported by the likes of Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed, will pose a significant challenge to the Bangladeshi batsmen.

For this series, Pakistan is captained by Shan Masood, with Saud Shakeel as the vice-captain. The squad includes a mix of experience and youth, with players like Mohammad Rizwan, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and Saim Ayub expected to make significant contributions. The bowling lineup is strong, featuring Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Abrar Ahmed, who will look to exploit the home conditions.

Key Betting Insights and Match Predictions

Pakistan’s Home Advantage

• Prediction: Pakistan to win the series 2-0.
• Rationale: Pakistan’s home advantage is substantial, with their strong record in familiar conditions. Rawalpindi, where both Tests will be played, is a venue where Pakistan has historically performed well.

Players to Watch - Babar Azam

• Prediction: Babar Azam to be the top run-scorer for Pakistan.
• Rationale: Babar Azam is expected to lead Pakistan’s batting lineup, utilizing his experience and skill in home conditions to score heavily in the series.

Shakib Al Hasan’s All-Round Brilliance

• Prediction: Shakib Al Hasan to be the top all-rounder.
• Rationale: Shakib’s experience and versatility make him a key player for Bangladesh. His contributions with both bat and ball will be critical if Bangladesh is to challenge Pakistan.

Emerging Talents - Saim Ayub and Mohammad Huraira

• Prediction: Saim Ayub to score a maiden Test century.
• Rationale: Saim Ayub, a promising young player, has shown great potential in domestic cricket. This series could be his breakthrough moment. Similarly, Mohammad Huraira, another young talent, will be eager to make a mark at the international level.

Pitch Conditions and Match Outcomes

• Prediction: High-scoring games at Rawalpindi.
• Rationale: Rawalpindi is known for offering good batting conditions, but the pace and bounce could also aid fast bowlers. Teams with strong batting lineups and effective pace attacks will likely dominate.

Key Points to Watch

• Shan Masood’s Leadership: As captain, Shan Masood will look to lead Pakistan to a series victory at home, consolidating his position as a reliable leader.
• Najmul Hossain Shanto’s Captaincy: Leading Bangladesh, Shanto will need to inspire his team to perform beyond expectations, particularly in the challenging conditions of Pakistan.
• Home Advantage: Pakistan’s strong home record is a significant factor, but Bangladesh, with a balanced squad, could still spring surprises.

1st Test Cricket Betting Tips and Match Predictions – PrePlay

Who will win the toss? – Pakistan

Who will win? – Pakistan

Top Batter (Runs Scored) – Babar Azam (Pakistan), Mushfiqur Rahim (Bangladesh)

Top Bowler (Wickets taken) – Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pakistan), Shoriful Islam (Bangladesh)

Most Sixes – Babar Azam (Pakistan), Najmul Hossain Shanto (Bangladesh)

Player of the Match – Babar Azam (Pakistan)

Team Scores Batting First – Pakistan 350+, Bangladesh 300+

Match Handicap: Pakistan

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Conclusion

The Bangladesh tour of Pakistan 2024 is set to be an exciting series, with both teams eager to perform well. For those interested in betting, there are plenty of intriguing options, from overall series winners to individual performances. With cricket returning to Pakistan, this series is more than just a contest—it’s a celebration of the sport’s resurgence in a country that is passionate about the game. Whether betting on experienced stars or taking a punt on emerging talents, this series promises thrilling cricket and potentially profitable betting outcomes.

*NB these predictions may be changed nearer the start of the match once the final starting teams have been announced and we will be running ‘In-Play’ features, so stay tuned.

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