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After a disappointing start to the series, Pakistan will be aiming to restore some pride with a series-levelling win against a confident Bangladesh in the second Test in Rawalpindi, starting Friday (August 30).
The 10-wicket defeat on home soil came despite Pakistan's confident first-innings declaration, with nearly 450 runs on the board, on what were some of the most batting-friendly conditions. However, after conceding a 117-run lead, Pakistan faltered in the second innings, collapsing for just 146. The defeat not only exposed the vulnerabilities in their batting lineup but also highlighted the tactical error of fielding an all-pace attack. Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan capitalized, sharing seven wickets between them, to secure Bangladesh's first-ever win against Pakistan in Pakistan.
In response, the hosts have recalled several players after rethinking their pace-only strategy for the first Test. Legspinner Abrar Ahmed, who took a four-wicket haul in the practice game against Bangladesh A, is expected to be a straightforward inclusion in the playing XI as Pakistan seeks to bounce back. Meanwhile, pace spearhead Shaheen Afridi, who left for the birth of his child, has been left out of the squad.
Despite their historic win, Bangladesh will need to guard against overconfidence as they aim to secure a series victory. A determined Pakistan is expected to give everything to level the series.
Squads:
Bangladesh Squad: Zakir Hasan, Shadman Islam, Najmul Hossain Shanto(c), Mominul Haque, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim(w), Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud, Khaled Ahmed, Nayeem Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Taijul Islam
Pakistan Squad: Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Shan Masood(c), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan(w), Agha Salman, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Mir Hamza, Kamran Ghulam, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Huraira
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