Pakistan Choose Bowling As Babar Returns Against Bangladesh

ISLAMABAD: (Web Desk) – Pakistan national cricket team captain Shan Masood won the toss and chose to field first against Bangladesh national cricket team on the opening day of the second Test in Sylhet on Saturday. Pakistan made a major boost to their lineup with the return of star batter Babar Azam after he recovered from a knee injury that kept him out of the first Test.

Bangladesh entered the match with confidence after securing a convincing 104-run victory in the opening Test in Mirpur to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. The hosts also handed a Test debut to opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim following the injury setback to Shadman Islam.

Bangladesh defeat Pakistan by 104 runs in Test

Pakistan reshuffled their playing XI by leaving out Imam-ul-Haq to make room for Babar Azam. Fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi was rested, allowing Khurram Shahzad to return, while spinner Sajid Khan replaced Noman Ali in the bowling attack.

Bangladesh also made changes to their lineup, with pacer Shoriful Islam returning to Test cricket for the first time since November 2024 in place of Ebadot Hossain. Despite fitness concerns before the match, opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy retained his spot in the side.