DHAKA, May 7, 2026 (BSS) - Pakistan captain Shan Masood insisted that his side is not seeking any revenge for their stunning defeat to Bangladesh at their own home in the last series, rather prepare to ace the test for a better place in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) point table.

Bangladesh swept the two-match Test series against Pakistan in 2024 in the previous WTC cycle, eventually finishing seventh while Shan Masood's side at bottom table. 

"We do not associate our side with words like 'revenge'. We must give credit to the Bangladesh team for how they prepared and played in 2024," Shan Masood said here today as his side prepares for the first Test against Bangladesh, starting tomorrow (Friday) at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

"Even when we were on top, such as when they were 26 for 6, they showed the skill and ability to fight back and win the Test match."

Shan Masood said they are rather keen to play their own brand of cricket to make the winning a habit one, a thing they want to start from Bangladesh. 

"We will not take any opposition lightly. For us, the focus is on our own process and the brand of cricket we play. Our desire is to be the side that finishes games off once we get into winning positions," he added.

Pakistan played two-match Test series against defending champions South Africa in the current WTC cycle and drew the series 1-1.

However, he acknowledged the challenge posed by Bangladesh's pace attack.

"Their pace attack is very good and it is probably the best I have seen from them. We won't get into comparisons between our units, as both have quality," said Masood, adding that his batting line up is eager to show their credential against this potent attack. 

"If you look at the team, it is actually a very settled unit. The middle order is our 'engine room'. Changes in the top order have mostly been due to injuries or lack of availability. For example, we only rested Abdullah Shafique once to give him a break."

"Players like Imam-ul-Haq have been part of this settled unit for several years. They bring experience and a track record of scoring runs in various conditions, which gives us the best opportunity to perform."

Masood also expects their leading batter Babar Azam to carry his recent Pakistan Super League (PSL) form into the longer format.

Babar has not scored a Test century since 2022 but enjoyed an impressive PSL campaign, amassing 588 runs in 11 matches at an average of 73.02 and a strike-rate of 145.90 to help Peshawar Zalmi clinch the title.

"I believe he is one of the best batsmen Pakistan has ever produced. Having him scoring runs is always beneficial, as runs provide a batsman with essential confidence," he said.

"It is a very good time for us because he is entering this series with a significant number of runs from the PSL. We are looking forward to Babar replicating those performances in these Test matches."