Pakistan are preparing to make major changes to their playing XI for the second and final Test of the ongoing series against Bangladesh. Star batter Babar Azam is expected to return to the lineup, while fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi could be dropped for the must-win clash.
Bangladesh defeated Pakistan by 104 runs in the first Test match at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. Chasing a target of 268 runs, the visiting team was bowled out for 163, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead. The second match will be played at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, starting on May 16.
Key Points
- Babar Azam is expected to return for Pakistan in the second Test against Bangladesh.
- Pakistan may drop Shaheen Afridi despite his strong performance in the first Test.
- Pakistan are considering major changes after losing the opening Test by 104 runs.
Babar Azam Returns to Pakistan Playing XI for Second Test Against Bangladesh
According to a report by Geo News, Pakistan are set to make changes to their batting lineup for the second Test against Bangladesh. Babar Azam likely to return after recovering from the knee injury that ruled him out of the opening match.
Babar Azam is expected to replace Imam-ul-Haq, who could not make a major impact in the series opener. Imam scored 45 runs from 72 balls with six boundaries in the first innings before adding only two runs in the second innings.
Pakistan are also likely to adjust their batting order for the upcoming match. Shan Masood may open alongside Azan Awais, who scored a century in the previous Test. Abdullah Fazal, after registering two half-centuries in the opening game, is expected to move to number three, while Babar could bat in the No. 4 spot.
Shaheen Afridi Dropped From Playing XI as Khurram Shahzad Set to Replace Him
Pakistan may also change their pace attack, with Khurram Shahzad potentially replacing Shaheen Shah Afridi in the playing XI. The team management is still monitoring conditions in Sylhet before making a final decision on the bowling combination.
Shaheen Afridi performed reasonably well in the opening Test and finished with five wickets in the match. He picked up three wickets in the first innings and added two more in the second innings.
Shaheen became the first Pakistan bowler to complete 100 wickets in ICC World Test Championship history after dismissing Mahmudul Hasan Joy. Later in the game, he also reached 400 international wickets by removing Mominul Haque.
The final pace combination will depend heavily on the surface in Sylhet. If the pitch continues to offer grass and assistance for seamers, Pakistan are likely to continue with three fast bowlers. Pakistan have also kept a reserve spinner ready in case the pitch starts favouring spin closer to the match.
Rain Threat Looms Over Pakistan vs Bangladesh Second Test in Sylhet
The second Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh will begin on May 16 at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. However, heavy rain could affect play for at least three days. Pakistan are currently at seventh in the World Test Championship standings with 12 points and a 33.33 win percentage after three matches.
In the first Test, Bangladesh scored 413 runs after captain Najmul Hossain Shanto hit a century. Pakistan responded with 386 runs, with Azan Awais scoring a hundred on debut. Bangladesh later declared their second innings at 240/9 before Nahid Rana claimed a five-wicket haul to seal the victory.
Pakistan lost their last seven wickets for only 44 runs. They became only the second team after Zimbabwe to lose three consecutive Test matches against Bangladesh. The win moved Bangladesh to sixth place in the World Test Championship standings with 16 points.
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