Bangladesh and Pakistan Prepare For Bi-Lateral Series

The Pakistan Shaheens and Bangladesh High Performance Squad will face off in two First Class 4-Day Fixtures (19-22 July and 26-29 July) followed by a 50-over Bi-Lateral Series between the two nations and the NT Strike (1, 4 and 6 August). 

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Bangladesh Cricket Board (PCB) have jumped at the chance to escape their monsoon season (July-September) and send extended squads out to Darwin early for additional preparation and experience in Australian conditions.  

Local cricket fans will be in for a treat with 24-year-old Pakistan pace sensation Khurram Shahzad, the right arm fast bowler making headlines in Australia last summer where he made a stunning Test Debut in Perth, removing Steve Smith twice in the match before claiming 3 for 45 in the second innings with the additional scalps of David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne and Mitch Marsh.  

The 15-player Shaheens Squad features plenty of high-quality cricketers with Umar Amin (4 Tests, 16 ODIs, 14 T20Is), Mohammad Ali (2 Tests), Shahnawaz Dahani (2 ODIs, 11 T20Is), Tayyab Tahir (3 T20Is), Omair Yousef (3 T20Is) and Irfan Khan (3 T20Is) all having international pedigree and experience. The inclusion of mystery spinner Mehran Mumtaz should also prove an interesting watch, the 20-year-old left arm bowler captivating fans with his ability to get the ball to grip and turn while bowling at near 100kph. 

The Bangladesh High Performance Squad will prove worthy adversaries with the likes of 24 year old middle order batsmen Afif Hossain (31 ODIs, 69 T20Is) and 23-year old left-hand opener Tanzid Hasan (15 ODIs, 14 T20Is) providing plenty of class. The 18-player tour party also features Mahmudul Hasan (13 Tests, 3 T20Is), Shadman Islam (13 Tests), Ripon Mondol (3 T20Is), Hasan Murad (2 T20Is) and several of Bangaldesh’s 2020 ICC U19 World Cup winning squad.  

Both squads arrived in Darwin earlier this week, getting straight to work at DXC Arena almost immediately ahead of the first 4-day fixture beginning on Friday 19 July.   

Pakistan, returning for their second consecutive year in the Top End, will be guided by newly appointed Pakistan Test Coach Jason Gillespie (71 Tests, 97 ODIs, 1 T20I) and former Australian Test Coach and teammate Tim Nielsen who joins having recently finished a 10-year stint as High-Performance Manager of the South Australian Redbacks and Adelaide Strikers.  

Gillespie said he was excited to be in Darwin with the team and give them exposure and opportunities in international cricket.  

"We've rewarded some player who've done really well in domestic cricket Pakistan, but also identified some young players who we think can potentially put a case forward to press of higher honours.  

"The conditions in Karachi are hot and humid. We did have a practice game that was washed out partway through so the conditions here are a little bit milder for the boys and they're handling it quite well. 

Bangladesh will be coached by former West Indian fast bowler, Corey Collymore (30 Tests, 84 ODIs) who said the team were eager to start training and make the most of the facilities available.  

"The learning experience for them (players), especially in overseas conditions will only enhance their careers going forward.  

"There are some players who have been to Darwin before and they are sharing their experiences with the younger players about what a good place it is to come and play cricket.  

"My message to the players is for them to play with freedom and enjoy themselves".  

*Match times are in ACST. 

The live-scoring can be found on CricClubs.

Entry to the Bi-Lateral Series is free.

Tickets are now on sale for the 2024 Top End T20.