Bangladesh defeated Zimbabwe in their last Test match in July 2021. However, their recent Test results have been underwhelming, with only two wins in the previous twelve games. On the other hand, Pakistan have been in good form in the longer-version format, winning five of their seven matches in 2021. In this context, a youthful Bangladesh team will have a significant challenge in the series. Let's take a look at the first match preview of the BAN vs PAK 1st Test 2021. 

Bangladesh vs Pakistan: Head-to-head Test Record History

The ZACS in Chattogram will host the first match of the BAN vs PAK 1st Test 2021. The game will begin at 10 a.m. (Bangladesh Standard Time). The series will feature a full-strength Pakistan team, while the BCB selectors have added some fresh names in the Bangladesh squad.

The sixth bilateral Test series (BAN vs PAK): 

This is the sixth bilateral Test series between the two countries. Both sides have previously played five bilateral series, two of which were hosted by Pakistan and three by Bangladesh. Pakistan have won all of the series between these two teams. 

Read Mahmudullah retires from Test: Remembering the silent killer’s dazzling match-winning centuries

Notable Test records between Bangladesh and Pakistan

The following are some of Bangladesh and Pakistan's most noteworthy Test records. 

Significant Test Records: BAN vs PAK

  Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/

BAN vs PAK 1st Test 2021: First Match Venue Stats  

The first Test will be held at Chattogram's Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium from November 26 to 30.   

1st Test Venue: ZACS, Chattogram   

Test Matches Played: 20 | Bat-first (won): 8 | Bat-Second (won): 6 | Highest Individual Innings: 319 (Kumar Sangakkara) | Best Bowling Figure (Match): 13/154 (Nathan Lyon) | Highest Team Innings: 713/9d | Lowest Team Innings: 119   

Read  Dhaka Division win National Cricket League 2021

Bangladesh’s Test record (ZACS): Win: 2 | Lost: 12 | Draw: 6

Pakistan’s Test record (ZACS): Win: 1 | Lost: 0 | Draw: 0  

  Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/

2021 BAN vs PAK 1st Test: Players to watch 

Bangladesh

All of Bangladesh's senior players will be absent from this encounter, with the exception of Mushfiqur Rahim. The Test statistics of three Bangladeshi players who can make a difference in the match are shown here.

Mominul Haque: M: 45 | Runs: 3,349 | HS: 181 | Ave: 42.93  

Mushfiqur Rahim: M: 75 | Runs: 4,696 | HS: 219* | Ave: 36.97

Taijul Islam: M: 33 | Wkts: 134 | BBM: 11/170 | Ave: 32.97   

Read Tigers gear up in Chattogram for Pakistan Tests

Pakistan

The Pakistan team has a number of genuine match-winners. They will field a strong playing XI to make things tough for the hosts. The Test statistics for three Pakistani players who could have an impact in this match are given here. 

Babar Azam: M: 35 | Runs: 2,362 | HS: 143 | Ave: 42.94

Fawad Alam: M: 13 | Runs: 895 | HS: 168 | Ave: 47.10

Hasan Ali: M: 15 | Wkts: 63 | BBM: 10/114 | Ave: 22.46    

Bottom Line

Pakistan clearly have the upper hand in the head-to-head Contest against Bangladesh. Bangladesh have never beaten Pakistan in the Test format. In fact, they have only drawn one match against Pakistan and have lost 10. Therefore, expecting the team tigers to win or draw this match would be unrealistic. Bangladesh's best achievement would be to play till the fifth day. Because it will be tough for the Tigers to put up a dominant performance against a full-strength Pakistan side in the BAN vs PAK 1st Test 2021.   

Read Vaughan dropped by BBC over involvement in Yorkshire crisis.