Bangladesh pace attack slightly ahead of Pakistan, says Shanto
"Our pace bowling attack is perhaps slightly ahead based on how they have bowled over the last few years," Bangladesh captain said on Thursday.
Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto believes Bangladesh’s pace unit now holds a slight edge over Pakistan’s as the two sides prepare to meet on a green-top wicket in Mirpur on Friday.
The claim marks a significant shift in identity for a nation traditionally reliant on spin. Standing beside a Shere-e-Bangla track that retained a distinct green tinge on the eve of the first Test, Shanto pointed to recent consistency as the basis for his confidence.
"Our pace bowling attack is perhaps slightly ahead based on how they have bowled over the last few years," Shanto said on Thursday.
The centerpiece of this transition is Nahid Rana. Since rattling Pakistan in Rawalpindi two years ago and more recently troubling New Zealand at home, the express seamer has become Bangladesh's primary tactical advantage.
"I have known Nahid since he was very young," Shanto said. "Having an express pace bowler like him in the team is a major plus for a captain."
The return of Taskin Ahmed further strengthens the host's seam department. Despite a 17-month absence from Test cricket due to injury and workload management, Taskin was cleared by medical staff following lengthy discussions. He joins a balanced quartet alongside Rana, Shoriful Islam, and Ebadot Hossain.
Pakistan captain Shan Masood took a more diplomatic stance when asked to compare the two attacks.
"Every team has its own strengths," Masood said. "We want to focus on our own skills and judge things from our own perspective."
However, Masood acknowledged the threat posed by the hosts, describing the current lineup as "probably their best pace attack."
Pakistan’s own challenge remains formidable. Spearheaded by Shaheen Shah Afridi, the visitors also rely on the disciplined line and length of Mohammad Abbas and a confident Hasan Ali.
If the Mirpur pitch remains sporting and conducive to seam, the series opener will serve as a direct test of Shanto’s assertion. The outcome depends largely on whether Rana and a returning Taskin can outshine a Pakistani attack historically famous for its fast-bowling pedigree.