Bangladesh is on the cusp of history as it aims to secure its first-ever Test series victory against Pakistan. After a stunning 10-wicket win in the first Test, Bangladesh heads into the second match in Rawalpindi, starting on Friday, with a newfound confidence. The victory, which marked Bangladesh’s first win against Pakistan in over 14 encounters, was a testament to their resilience and tactical prowess. However, Pakistan, facing a slump in recent times, is eager to bounce back. Their struggles are evident in their early exit from the T20 World Cup this year and a whitewash in a three-match series against Australia. Adding to their woes, Pakistan has decided to rest their star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi for the second Test. Afridi, who struggled to find his rhythm in the first match, will spend time with his newborn son and family. While this decision might be a blow for Pakistan’s bowling attack, the team is looking at it as an opportunity to experiment with different combinations.
Pakistan has recalled spinner Abrar Ahmed after opting for an all-pace attack in the first Test. Jason Gillespie, Pakistan’s head coach, acknowledges the challenge of squaring the series but expresses a positive outlook. “We want to go out there and play positive,” Gillespie said. “It’s about scoring lots of singles and with our bowling we want to be ruthless and challenging the opposition batters.” Despite the pressure, Gillespie has confidence in captain Shan Masood, who had a difficult first Test. “Shan is a very positive captain,” Gillespie said. “He wants to play and win games… we showed that with our intent in the first game but it didn’t quite work out and that’s credit to our opposition. That game is gone, but what we can do is focus on the game starting tomorrow.”
Meanwhile, Bangladesh is brimming with confidence, with head coach Chandika Hathurusinghe expressing his team’s morale is high. “The morale of the players is very, very good,” said Hathurusinghe. “Obviously beating Pakistan in Pakistan is not an easy task.” Bangladesh’s victory in the first Test was fueled by a brilliant innings from veteran batter Mushfiqur Rahim, who scored 191 runs, helping his team achieve its highest-ever total against Pakistan (565 runs) and gain a crucial first-innings lead. Spinners Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Shakib Al Hasan also played a significant role, rocking the Pakistan batting order and highlighting the importance of a frontline spinner.
Despite the success in the first Test, Hathurusinghe is aware of the challenges ahead in the second match. “They are a very strong team and we expect a very good fight in the second Test as well but we will not be different from the first game and know our strength as well as that of Pakistan’s.”
Bangladesh’s pace attack is set to receive a boost with the return of experienced Taskin Ahmed, who has recovered from a shoulder injury. However, a tie for a place in the eleven exists between him and Nahid Rana.
With intermittent rain and bad weather in Rawalpindi hindering practice sessions, both teams are gearing up for a thrilling contest, with the stakes higher than ever for both sides. Bangladesh is on the verge of history, while Pakistan is determined to regain its composure and fight for a series win.
