Pakistan find themselves scrambling to salvage something from a home series against Bangladesh after a poor effort marked by bad decision-making in the first Test.
Pakistan v Bangladesh – Second Test
30 August – 3 September 2024
Rawalpindi International Cricket Stadium
Bangladesh recorded a historic first Test win over Pakistan when they visited Rawalpindi and it was clear that it meant a lot to them to knock over their hosts.
The second Test will also take place at Rawalpindi although a different pitch will be used with so little time between the matches. Bangladesh should be given confidence by remaining at the same venue as their famous triumph.
To Win Match
Pakistan 11/10 | Draw 19/20 | Bangladesh 9/1
Pakistan have made the call to summon leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed and batter Kamran Ghulam into the squad after the disaster in Rawalpindi.
Off-spinning all-rounder Salman Ali Agha could make little impression on the Bangladesh batting last time out and shipped 136 runs as the tourists put him to the sword.
Despite being seemingly ruled out of the series with a back injury, the hosts have also recalled fast-bowling all-rounder Ahmed Jamal as they consider a radical revamp of team balance.
Fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has also rejoined the group having missed the first Test after being granted leave to witness the birth of his son.
Mushfiqur Rahim is likely to be the prize wicket among the Bangladesh batters after his heroics in the first Test, and he also looks a strong candidate to finish the match and the series as the top runscorer.
Shakib Al Hasan almost got himself into hot water in the opener, but his combative nature will make him a likely bowling hero in the second Test.
The longer the match goes on the more the likes of Mehidy Hasan Miraz will become dangerous for the Tigers.
The deep batting and good top-order form shown in the first Test will be a big boost to Bangladesh.
Verdict: Pakistan 11/10
We expect a big response from the hosts with the ball in hand, and Bangladesh might struggle to replicate their performance from the last match.
