February 07, 2020 
05:00 
Pakistan vs Bangladesh 1st Test Preview – Betting Tips, Latest Odds, Team News and Predictions – 07/02/2020
Pakistan host Bangladesh in Rawalpindi for the first of two Test matches between the two sides.
The home team will be keen to build on the recent 2-0 T20I series victory over the same opponents now they move into the longer format.
The last time Pakistan were in Test action they picked up a series win against Sri Lanka.
Bangladesh, meanwhile, will want to bounce back quickly following those T20 losses. The last time they played Test match cricket they lost both games against India at the end of last year.
Pakistan vs Bangladesh 1st Test – Match Preview
Where: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
When: Friday 7th February
Start Time: 10:30 (IST), 05:00 (GMT)
Pakistan vs Bangladesh 1st Test – Latest Odds
Pakistan are considered 1.40 (2/5) favourites with bet365 to get off to a winning start in Rawalpindi.
Bangladesh can be backed at 6.00 (5/1) to take an early lead. The draw is available at 5.50 (9/2).
Pakistan vs Bangladesh 1st Test – Team News
All-rounder Faheem Ashraf and off-spinner Bilal Asif have come into the Pakistan squad.
Ashraf had been hit with injury after the home series against Sri Lanka in December but has now recovered. Asif makes a first return since playing against New Zealand in 2018.
Their inclusion means that spinner Kashif Bhatti and medium-pace bowler Usman Shinwari have missed out.
For Bangladesh, Tamim Iqbal and Soumya Sarkar are back in the squad.
Batsman Najmul Hossain Shanto is chosen ahead of Shadman Islam.
Mushfiqur Rahim chose not to go on the tour due to safety concerns. Liton Das is likely to take the gloves for the first Test.
Pakistan vs Bangladesh 1st Test – Betting Tips and Prediction
This looks like another tough assignment for Bangladesh.
They are without Mushfiqur Rahim and their hosts look to have found more balance to their side in recent months.
Pakistan did lose their Test matches against Australia before bouncing back against Sri Lanka but they should have enough to overcome the visitors.
While the price to back Pakistan isn’t that appealing, there could be value to be found in the top batsman and bowler markets for the first contest.
Babar to continue eye-catching form
It’s difficult to look much further than Babar Azam in the batting markets available for this one.
He has been in brilliant form for Pakistan and can continue to plunder the runs against Bangladesh.
He hit a fine century and a 97 against Australia before backing that up against Sri Lanka.
Two more tons followed in the first and second tests against them.
His price looks far too big at 4.50 (7/2) with bet365 to be his side’s top first innings batsman.
Azam can also be backed at 8.00 (7/1) to claim the man of the match award.
Shaheen to carry the danger with the ball
Shaheen Afridi was among the wickets against Sri Lanka, including a five-for in the second Test.
Despite defeat, he also bagged both Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne in the final Test against Australia.
He now has Bangladesh in his sights and can cause even more problems for the visiting batsmen.
He is priced at 3.50 (5/2) with bet365 to be Pakistan’s top first innings bowler.
Best Bet: Babar Azam to be Pakistan’s top first innings batsman at 4.50 (7/2) with bet365.
