Pakistan and Bangladesh are set to face off in the second Test match in Rawalpindi, with the visitors aiming to secure their first Test series victory over the hosts. Pakistan, on the other hand, will be looking to level the series after losing the first Test by 10 wickets.
The home team has recalled spinner Abrar Ahmed to their squad after opting for an all-pace attack in the first Test. Former Australian pacer Jason Gillespie, who is in his first series with Pakistan, admitted that it will be a challenge to square the series.
“We want to go out there and play positive,” said Gillespie. “It’s about scoring lots of singles and with our bowling we want to be ruthless and challenging the opposition batters.”
Gillespie also backed under-pressure skipper Shan Masood, who failed with the bat in the first match. “Shan is a very positive captain,” said Gillespie. “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.”
Bangladesh, meanwhile, will be hoping to continue their impressive form after their clinical performance in the first Test. The visitors upset Pakistan with a ten-wicket display, their first win in over 14 encounters against the hosts.
Star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi has been left out of Pakistan’s squad for the second match to spend time with his new-born son and family. Afridi struggled to find his rhythm in the first Test, and his absence will be a blow to Pakistan’s bowling attack.
The second Test match between Pakistan and Bangladesh promises to be an exciting contest, with both teams eager to secure a series victory.
