Pakistan is preparing to make major changes in its playing eleven for the second and last Test of the ongoing series against Bangladesh. Star batsman Babar Azam is expected to return to the lineup, while fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi Can be removed for a must win match.
Bangladesh defeated Pakistan by 104 runs in the first test match played at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. Chasing the target of 268 runs, the visitors were all out for 163 runs, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead. The second match will be played at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium from 16th May.
key points
- Babar Azam is expected to return for Pakistan in the second Test against Bangladesh.
- Despite a strong performance in the first test, Pakistan may drop Shaheen Afridi.
- Pakistan is considering major changes after losing the opening test by 104 runs.
Babar Azam returns to Pakistan playing eleven for the second test against Bangladesh
According to a report by Geo News, Pakistan Ready to make changes to his batting lineup for the second Test against Bangladesh. Babar Azam is 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 big impact in the opening match of the series. Imam scored 45 runs in the first innings with the help of six fours in 72 balls while in the second innings he added only two runs.
Pakistan may also change its batting order for the upcoming match. Shan Masood Azan can open with Awais, who scored a century in the last Test. Abdullah Fazal is expected to bat at number three after registering two half-centuries in the opening game, while Babar could bat at number four.
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Shaheen Afridi was dropped from the playing eleven as Khurram Shehzad will replace him.
Pakistan can also make changes in its pace attack khurram shehzad Potentially Shaheen can join the playing eleven in place of Shah Afridi. The team management is still monitoring the conditions in Sylhet before taking a final decision on the bowling combination.
Shaheen Afridi performed very well in the initial test and took five wickets in the match. He took three wickets in the first innings and two more wickets in the second innings.
After dismissing Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shaheen became the first Pakistani bowler to complete 100 wickets in the history of ICC World Test Championship. Later in the game, he also reached 400 international wickets by removing Mominul Haq.
The final speed combination will largely depend on the Sylhet surface. If the grass on the pitch continues to support the fast bowlers, Pakistan can continue playing with three fast bowlers. Pakistan has also kept a reserve spinner ready in case the pitch becomes favorable for spin closer to the match.
Rain threat looms over Pakistan vs Bangladesh 2nd Test in Sylhet
Second test between Pakistan and bangladesh Will start on 16th May at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. However, heavy rain may affect play for at least three days. Pakistan are currently placed 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 thanks to a century by captain Nazmul Hossain Shanto. Pakistan responded with 386 runs, with Azan Awais scoring a century on debut. Bangladesh later declared their second innings at 240/9, before Nahid Rana sealed the victory by taking five wickets.
Pakistan lost its last seven wickets for just 44 runs. They became 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 table with 16 points.
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