Pakistan Bangladesh second Test gets underway in Sylhet with three changes to the Green Shirts’ lineup and plenty at stake

Pakistan have won the toss and opted to field first in the Pakistan Bangladesh second Test at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. The decision puts Bangladesh in to bat on the opening day of a match Pakistan desperately need to win. After losing the first Test by 104 runs, the Green Shirts arrive in Sylhet under real pressure.

Shan Masood has made three changes to the playing XI. Most notably, Babar Azam returns after recovering from injury, replacing Imam-ul-Haq. Shaheen Shah Afridi is also out, with Khurram Shahzad coming in as his replacement. Additionally, Noman Ali makes way for Sajid Khan in the spin department. Therefore, Pakistan’s attack looks different heading into this must-win encounter.

Bangladesh, meanwhile, name an unchanged side. The hosts enter with strong momentum. They have won three of their last five Tests and are coming off a dominant series victory. Furthermore, their only defeat in recent matches has done little to dent their confidence. Pakistan, however, have won just two of their last five Tests in the longest format.

The head-to-head record still favours Pakistan heavily. The Green Shirts lead 12 wins to three across 16 Tests between the two sides. However, recent history tells a different story. Bangladesh won the 2024 series 2-0 and then claimed the first Test of this series too. Therefore, Pakistan’s historical dominance means very little right now.

Pakistan’s last Test victory came in October last year against South Africa. Since then, results have been inconsistent at best. Moreover, Shan Masood’s captaincy record continues to draw scrutiny after 11 defeats in 15 matches. Finally, Sylhet offers Pakistan a chance to respond. Whether they take it is another matter entirely.