Bangladesh vs Pakistan 1st Test Preview & Tips - Pakistan to slip to defeat in opening Test against Bangladesh

Having not played an international game since their 11-run ODI loss to Bangladesh back in mid-March, Pakistan arrive for their first Test of 2026 looking to ensure their less-than-stellar start to the year improves. 

In the previous nine Tests between the sides, Pakistan have won six times, Bangladesh have won twice and one game has ended as a draw. 

Bangladesh have spent all of their time in 2026 in the shorter formats of the game, with the side partaking in two ODI series and one Twenty20 series. 

Earlier in the year, Bangladesh had downed Pakistan 2-1 in the 50 over game before repeating the feat against New Zealand. While their T20 series against the Black Caps ended in a 1-1 draw, they can still take away positives from the new year with five wins coming from their eight completed matches.

In the Test match arena, Bangladesh are still looking to really underline their place amongst the top sides. Currently sat in ninth in the men's Test rankings, they will fancy their chances of beating a side that sits in sixth in the rankings. In truth, sixth-place feels lofty for a Pakistan side that have been very inconsistent. 

The home side will be keen to extend a solid run of four wins and one draw along with two defeats across their last seven in the longest format. This is a marked improvement on five consecutive defeats prior to their current run. Having won their last two Tests against Pakistan, I am backing Bangladesh to secure a statement win in the first Test. 

Pakistan have endured a frustrating 2026 across formats. The T20 World Cup saw them reach the Super Eights stage, but they were knocked out with a single win as they were denied a semi-final spot. 

They then switched attention to the ODI game as they were beaten by Bangladesh in a 2-1 series loss. While Bangladesh looked well rested after missing the World Cup, Pakistan looked well off the pace as fatigue took its toll. Now, all of their focus will be on ending a run of winning and then losing across each of their last seven games in all formats (L4, W3).

While Pakistan arrive as the favourites, recent form against Bangladesh suggests they will struggle in this one. Bangladesh have won their last two Tests against their opponents, while Pakistan have lost 10 of their last 14 in the Test match arena. With their poor run in mind, I back more pain for Pakistan in their opener.