Pakistan will take on Bangladesh in the first Test match of a two-match series, starting Wednesday, August 21, at Rawalpindi. The hosts, led by Shan Masood, are currently placed sixth in the World test Championship (WTC) points table, after 2 wins and 3 losses so far.
On the other hand, Bangladesh are placed eighth in the WTC table, with just 1 win and 3 losses, in their 4 matches so far. If Pakistan win the two matches in the upcoming Test series, they can jump up to the third position in the WTC points table.
Ahead of the first Test match at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, The Sporting News takes a look at the pitch report and previous records at this venue.
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How many Test matches has Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium hosted?
The Rawalpindi Stadium has hosted a total of 13 Tests so far. Out of these 13 matches, 4 matches have ended in a draw. There has only been one instance where the chasing side in the fourth innings won the match. The teams defending the total in the fourth innings have won 8 times.
How many spectators can Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium hold?
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium has a seating capacity of about 15,000 spectators.
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium: Pitch Report
The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium pitch for the first Test match between Pakistan and Bangladesh has live grass, according to recent pictures. With cloudy weather at the venue, fast bowlers are likely to get a swing, seam movement, and extra bounce.
This means the first two days will be challenging for batters. If the sun comes out, the pitch should improve, making batting easier from the third day onward.
In Pakistan, pitches usually offer slow turns for spinners, unlike the sharp turns seen in India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. But the grass on the pitch might give spinners some bounce to trouble the batters.
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium: Average scores and toss results in Tests
| Average first innings score in Rawalpindi | 338 |
| Matches won defending in the fourth innings | 8 |
| Matches won by chasing team in the fourth innings | 1 |
What happened in the previous Test at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium?
The last Test match at Rawalpindi was played between Pakistan and England in the first game of the 3-match bilateral series, in December 2022.
Both teams managed to score well in their first innings (England 657, Pakistan 579). England declared their second innings at 264/7, setting a target of 343 runs for Pakistan. In response, Pakistan batted well but fell short, being bowled out for 268 runs. England won by match by 74 runs.
The upcoming Test match between Pakistan and Bangladesh will see the stadium hosting a Test match after over one and a half years.
What is the highest score by a team at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Tests?
During 2022's England tour of Pakistan, the visitors recorded the highest score at Rawalpindi in Tests by scoring 657/10. Four batsmen from the English team saw scoring centuries - Zak Crawley (122), Ben Duckett (107), Ollie Pope (108), and Harry Brook (153) as the team posted a record-breaking total at Rawalpindi.
What is the lowest score by a team at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Tests?
During the 1997 West Indies tour of Pakistan, the visitors were bowled out for a total of 139 runs against Pakistan. This was a time when Pakistan was at its peak in bowling, especially in Tests, with the likes of Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Shoaib Akhtar, and Azhar Mahmood, among others.
Akram derailed the West Indies batting lineup, taking 4 wickets, while Waqar took 2 wickets. The innings also saw 3 runs outs with West Indies fumbling, leading to the lowest score recorded at the ground.
What is the highest individual score at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Tests?
Indian legend Rahul Dravid's 270 runs is the highest individual score ever recorded at Rawalpindi in Tests. His defensive innings helped India post a total of 600 runs against Pakistan in 2004. As a result, India won the match by an innings and 131 runs. Dravid was awarded the Player of the Match trophy.
What is the best bowling figure at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Tests?
Mohammad Zahid's 11 wickets for 130 runs is the best bowling figures in a single Test match ever recorded at Rawalpindi. The performance came against New Zealand in a bilateral series, back in December 1996.
For the best bowling figures in an innings at this venue, it's also Zahid that holds the record. It came in the very same match in the fourth innings. He bagged 7 wickets and dismantled New Zealand's batting line-up. Courtesy of his magic, New Zealand were bowled out for 168 runs.
As a result, Pakistan won comfortably by an innings of 13 runs. Suffice it to say, Zahid was awarded the Player of the Match.
Which batter has the most runs at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Tests?
Pakistan's Saeed Anwar has the most runs at Rawalpindi in Tests. He has scored a total of 546 runs in 10 innings, averaging 54.6 with 2 centuries and 2 fifties to his name.
Which bowler has the most wickets at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Tests?
Pakistan's Waqar Younis has taken the most wickets at Rawalpindi in Tests. He has picked up 23 wickets in 5 matches, averaging 27 with two four-wicket and one five-wicket haul to his name.
Pakistan vs Bangladesh, 1st Test: Betting odds
According to Dafabet, Pakistan are the favourites to win the 1st Test match against Bangladesh.
| Team | Betting odds |
| Pakistan | 1.11 |
| Bangladesh | 7.00 |
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