Shoriful Islam targets 'dream wicket' of Babar Azam in PAK vs BAN Test series, calls Pakistan star 'nice man'

Bangladesh fast bowler Shoriful Islam is aiming to pick up his 'dream wicket' of Babar Azam in the upcoming Test series against Pakistan. The left-arm seamer called Babar Azam a tough challenge for Bangladesh and asserted the need to pick up his wicket early in the innings.

Shoriful is making a return to the Test format as he was busy playing various franchise tournaments like LPL and GT20 Canada. He is a key part of Bangladesh's white-ball plans. However, he lost his place in the T20I side to the youngster Tanzim Hasan Sakib, who had an excellent T20 World Cup 2024.

Shoriful had little time to prepare for the longest format of the game after his franchise league commitments. He joined the team on August 16 (Friday) but is excited to play against world-class batters in Pakistan's line-up, especially Babar.

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Shoriful Islam looking to pick up his 'dream wicket' of Babar Azam

While speaking ahead of the first Test match at a press conference, Shoriful Islam stated that Pakistan have world-class batters in the form of Shan Masood and Babar Azam but showed confidence in Bangladesh's bowling line-up to give them a tough fight.

“Babar (Azam), and Shan Masood are world-class batsmen. But our bowling attack is also strong enough. We can put up a strong fight against them. As they are playing in their home ground, our task will be difficult. We have to stay prepared,” Shoriful said.

“Babar (Azam) is a tough challenge for Bangladesh" - Shoriful Islam

The youngster also added that dismissing Babar Azam will be key for Bangladesh. He also called Babar his dream wicket and will be aiming to pick up his wicket as quickly as possible.

“Babar (Azam) is a tough challenge for Bangladesh. So, we have to take his wicket quickly. My dream wicket is Babar Azam bhai. I will be very happy if I can get his wicket. I played with him last year in the LPL. He is also a nice man,” he added.

“Babar Azam bhai is my dream wicket”

Shoriful Islam

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Babar Azam and Shoriful Islam have played with each other for Colombo Strikers in the Lanka Premier League (LPL). Both have a good relationship off the field but the left-arm seamer will be eager to pick up the wicket of Pakistan's best batter.

"We need to adjust here a bit" - Shoriful Islam on the conditions in Rawalpindi

Shoriful Islam also spoke about the need to adjust to the conditions in Pakistan as Bangladesh have not played much cricket there. The conditions in Rawalpindi are usually good for batting but also favors fast bowlers.

“We have not played much cricket in Pakistan. So, we need to adjust here a bit. Also, there is a need for adjustment for the Rawalpindi's wicket,” he added.

The first Test of the two-match Test series between Pakistan and Bangladesh will be played from August 21-25 in Rawalpindi. The second Test will be played in Karachi from August 30-September 3. The series is extremely crucial for both teams as both will be aiming for crucial points in the World Test Championship.