Babar Azam has returned to Pakistan's Test side as the team prepares for a two-Test series against Bangladesh.
Azam's reintegration into the squad is intended to strengthen the batting line-up. Captain Shan Masood said the decision to bring the batsman back was to bolster performance and urged the public to maintain realistic expectations.
During the opening Test against South Africa in Multan, Azam scored 23 runs in the first innings and 42 runs in the second innings [1]. Pakistan won that match by 93 runs [1].
The momentum continued into the second Test in Cape Town, South Africa. Masood and Azam shared a record opening partnership of 205 runs [2] after South Africa enforced the follow-on.
Following these performances, Pakistan announced a 16-member squad for the upcoming series against Bangladesh [3]. Shan Masood will continue to lead the side for the matches. The first Test of the Bangladesh series was scheduled for May 8–12, 2026 [3].
The series will be held in Bangladesh, marking a critical period for the team to maintain the stability found during the South Africa tour. The inclusion of Azam remains a focal point for the team's strategy to build consistent opening stands.
“Pakistan won that match by 93 runs”
The record-breaking partnership between Masood and Azam suggests a successful tactical shift in Pakistan's top-order stability. By pairing the captain with a returning veteran, the team has found a potent opening combination that could define their performance in the Bangladesh series.
