Pakistan seeks redemption as Bangladesh eyes historic series win in Sylhet Test

Pakistan will face Bangladesh in the second and final Test at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Saturday, trailing 1-0 after a 104-run defeat in Dhaka. The loss marked Bangladesh's first-ever home Test victory over Pakistan, leaving the visitors under pressure to level the series or suffer a series defeat.

What do Pakistan need to do to win the Sylhet Test?

Pakistan must fix a batting collapse that cost them the first Test and strengthen a bowling attack that failed to take wickets when it mattered. With Babar Azam returning and a reshuffled top order expected, they have the personnel to compete. Winning, however, will require a complete performance across all five days, assuming rain allows it.

How is Pakistan expected to set up their playing XI in Sylhet?

The most significant change to Pakistan's lineup is the return of Babar Azam, who missed the first Test with a knee injury. The former captain is expected to bat at number four, his preferred position, with Imam-ul-Haq making way after scores of 45 and 2 in Dhaka.

Captain Shan Masood is likely to move up to open alongside Azan Awais, who scored a debut century in the first Test. Abdullah Fazal, another debutant who contributed two half-centuries, is expected to bat at number three. Despite the batting collapse in Dhaka's second innings, Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan are both expected to retain their places.

Pakistan's bowling attack may also change significantly. Shaheen Afridi, who took five wickets across both innings in Dhaka, is reportedly set to be rested. Fast bowler Khurram Shahzad is likely to replace him, a move that points toward pace-friendly conditions at the Sylhet venue, where a green pitch has greeted both teams during practice.

What happened in the first Test that put Pakistan on the back foot?

Pakistan's defeat in Dhaka was painful given how promising their position looked. Chasing 268, they had reached 119 for 3 with Abdullah Fazal and Salman Ali Agha at the crease. Fazal's dismissal then triggered a collapse of six wickets for 44 runs, and Pakistan were bowled out for 163.

Earlier in the match, Bangladesh posted 413 in their first innings, anchored by a century from captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and 91 from Mominul Haque. Pakistan replied with 386, but their fourth-innings fragility proved decisive.

How has Bangladesh prepared for the second Test in Sylhet?

Bangladesh enter the second Test in high spirits, though they have been forced into one change. Opener Shadman Islam has been ruled out with a chest injury sustained while taking a catch on the final day in Mirpur. Zakir Hasan comes in as his replacement.

Zakir returns to Test cricket in strong form, having scored 628 runs at an average of 57.09 in the 2025-26 first-class season, including one century and five half-centuries. He is also the leading run-scorer in the ongoing Dhaka Premier League one-day competition. Beyond that forced change, Bangladesh are unlikely to alter a winning combination that executed their game plan with precision in Dhaka.

Their pace attack will again be central to strategy. The Sylhet surface is expected to assist seamers, and Bangladesh's quicks took seven wickets in Pakistan's decisive second innings in the first Test.

Could rain decide the outcome of the Sylhet Test?

Weather is forecast to play a significant role across the five days. Rain is expected on at least four of the scheduled days, raising the likelihood of interruptions and potentially preventing a result. Both sides will need to adapt to stop-start conditions and make the most of whatever playing time is available.

What are the ICC World Test Championship implications for both teams?

The series result carries real weight in the ICC World Test Championship standings. Bangladesh have climbed to sixth with 16 points and a win percentage of 44.44 following their Dhaka victory. Pakistan have slipped to eighth spot with four points and a win percentage of 11.11.

For Pakistan, the Sylhet Test offers a chance to restore pride and avoid a series defeat to Bangladesh for the first time. For Bangladesh, victory would complete a landmark series triumph and strengthen their position in red-ball cricket's global standings. With momentum firmly behind the hosts and conditions uncertain, Saturday's Test carries weight for both sides.