Bangladesh won the toss and chose to have Pakistan bat first in the second Test on Saturday, following the first day’s washout due to rain in Rawalpindi on Friday.
With only four days left to level the two-match series, Pakistan is under pressure after losing the first Test, also in Rawalpindi, by 10 wickets.
Bangladesh, who secured their first victory in 14 Tests against Pakistan, replaced injured Shoriful Islam with fast bowler Taskin Ahmed. Pakistan, having rested new-ball bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, brought in fast bowler Mir Hamza and spinner Abrar Ahmed.
The series is part of the third cycle of the World Test Championship.
The rain-soaked conditions add to Pakistan’s challenges after their defeat in the first Test last Sunday. Led by Shan Masood and featuring an all-pace attack, Pakistan suffered a dramatic loss on the final day of the first Test and now face a must-win situation in the second Test.
Bangladesh, on the other hand, aims to secure their first-ever Test series win over Pakistan.
Jason Gillespie, Pakistan’s red-ball coach, emphasized the need for a ruthless approach in the final Test.
“Our over rates were very poor in the first Test, which is unacceptable,” Gillespie stated, adding that the bowlers will adopt a new approach to ensure they take 20 wickets. “We aim to be ruthless with our discipline, line, and length. We want to consistently challenge the opposition’s defense and keep hitting good spots on the pitch.”
