Darwin: Sahibzada Farhan-led Pakistan Shaheens are set to clash with Bangladesh A in the first of two four-day matches starting this Friday, July 19, in Darwin, Australia. The series marks the first encounter between the two development sides since 2008.

According to Pakistan Cricket Board, this tour includes another four-day game commencing on July 26, followed by two one-day matches on August 4 and 6, and concluding with the nine-team Top End T20 series from August 9 to 18. This tour provides the teams a platform to hone their skills ahead of a packed red-ball season, with the Shaheens having prepared intensively at the Hanif Mohammad High-Performance Centre in Karachi under the guidance of coach Jason Gillespie.

The current roster for the Shaheens features a mix of seasoned players and new talent, all eager to showcase their capabilities on the international stage. This series is critical for players like Mehran Mumtaz and Omair bin Yousuf, who have shown remarkable performances in previous tours, to further their experience in competitive matches.

The matches are expected to be a significant stepping stone for both teams as they gear up for a challenging season that includes upcoming Tests against Bangladesh, England, South Africa, and West Indies.