Pakistan set to make two changes, including Babar Azam's return and a reshuffle of the batting order. Shaheen Afridi expected to be replaced by Khurram Shahzad in the bowling attack.
Pakistan are likely to make two significant changes to their playing XI for the second and final Test against Bangladesh at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Saturday, according to sources. The most notable change is the return of top-order batter Babar Azam after he missed the first Test due to a knee injury. Imam-ul-Haq, who had been opening the batting, will be replaced by Azam in the lineup.
Imam struggled during the series opener, scoring 45 runs off 72 deliveries with six boundaries in the first innings before managing just two runs in the second. His performance did not meet expectations, and his absence is expected to pave way for a fresh approach at the top of the order.
Pakistan are also set to reshuffle their batting lineup. Captain Shan Masood will open the innings alongside centurion Azam Awais, while Abdullah Fazal is likely to bat at number three after scoring two half-centuries in the first Test. Babar Azam himself is expected to take the number four position.
In terms of the bowling attack, sources suggest a change with left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi set to be replaced by fast bowler Khurram Shahzad. Shaheen had a respectable outing in the first Test, claiming five wickets overall—three in the first innings and two in the second. However, his performance may not have been enough to secure a spot in the final XI.
Meanwhile, middle-order batter Saud Shakeel and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan are expected to retain their places despite disappointing performances in the opening Test. Their consistency and reliability could be crucial factors for Pakistan's success against Bangladesh.
The final playing XI is still expected to be confirmed closer to the start of the match. For context, Bangladesh created history by defeating Pakistan by 104 runs in the first Test at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, securing their first-ever home Test victory over Pakistan. In that match, Pakistan were well placed at 119/3 but suffered a collapse after Abdullah Fazal's dismissal, losing six wickets for 44 runs in 21 overs before being bowled out for 163.
In contrast, Bangladesh posted 413 in their first innings, driven by a century from captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and 91 from Mominul Haque. Pakistan responded with 386, thanks to a debut hundred from Azam Awais and valuable contributions from Abdullah Fazal and Mohammad Rizwan. This victory lifted Bangladesh to sixth in the ICC World Test Championship standings with 16 points and a win percentage of 44.44 after three matches. Pakistan, meanwhile, slipped to seventh with 12 points and a win percentage of 33.33 after winning one and losing two of their three matches.
Abdul Majid Shaheen Afridi Khurram Shahzad
