Bangladesh fast bowler Shoriful Islam is aiming to get his “dream wicket” of Babar Azam in the upcoming Test series against Pakistan. The left-handed bowler termed Babar Azam as a tough challenge for Bangladesh and asserted the need to get his wicket early in the innings.

Shoriful is making a comeback in the Test format as he has been busy playing in 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 squad to youngster Tanzim Hasan Sakib, who had an excellent 2024 T20 World Cup.

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

Read also: “I need to stop crying every two minutes”: Andrew Flintoff breaks silence on horrific car crash during filming of ‘Top Gear’

Shoriful Islam looks to land Babar Azam’s ‘dream goalkeeper’

While speaking ahead of the first Test match at a press conference, Shoriful Islam claimed that Pakistan has world-class batsmen in the form of Shan Masood and Babar Azam but he 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 give them a tough fight. As they are playing on their own pitch, our task will be difficult. We have to be prepared,” Shoriful said.

“Babar (Azam) is a tough challenge for Bangladesh” – Shoriful Islam

The youngster also added that the dismissal of Babar Azam will be key for Bangladesh. He also said that Babar is his dream wicket and he aims to get it as soon as possible.

“Babar (Azam) is a tough challenge for Bangladesh. So, we have to get 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 good man,” he added.

“Babar Azam bhai is the goalkeeper of my dreams”

Shorific Islam

image.twitter.com/gUEJgs3NPZ

– Abu Bakar Tarar (@abubakartarar_) August 16, 2024

Babar Azam and Shoriful Islam have played together for Colombo Strikers in the Lanka Premier League (LPL). Both have a good relationship off the field but the left-handed bowler will be keen to get the wicket of Pakistan’s top batsman.

“We have to make some adjustments here,” says Shoriful Islam about the situation in Rawalpindi

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

“We haven’t played much cricket in Pakistan so we need to make some adjustments. Also, adjustments need to be made on the wicket in Rawalpindi,” he added.

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