Pakistan and Bangladesh are preparing to face off in the first Test match of their two-match series, scheduled to begin on Wednesday at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. In the lead-up to the first Test match, Pakistan named their playing XI with familiar faces retaining their places. 

Shan Masood will be leading Pakistan with Babar Azam, Said Shakeel, Abdulla Shafique and Saim Ayub forming the top-order. Naseem Shah is back in the playing XI since last playing for Pakistan last year in July. While, pacer Aamer Jamal has been ruled out of the series due to back setbacks. 

Pakistan are equipped with a balanced lineup as they gear up to challenge Bangladesh. Key players to watch include Shaheen Afridi, whose pace will be in the spotlight, and Babar Azam, whose batting prowess will be on full display. Pakistan will aim to thwart Bangladesh amid home conditions. 

Bangladesh, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, have been steadily improving and would aim for an excellent start against Pakistan. The team boasts a solid line-up, with Shakib Al Hasan being a central figure in the team, while Zakir Hasan and Litton Das are expected to contribute significantly with the bat. This Test series will be crucial for both teams in order to solidify their standings in the ICC World Test Championship. 

Pakistan Playing XI: Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Shan Masood (c), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel (vc), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali

Bangladesh Squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Kumer Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Nahid Rana, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed, Syed Khaled Ahmed.