Mushfiqur Rahim warns Babar Azam [Source: AFP]Mushfiqur Rahim has fired a warning shot to Pakistan legend Babar Azam ahead of their series-deciding second Test in Sylhet. It is worth noting that hosts Bangladesh won the opening match in Mirpur earlier this week to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. Babar was ruled out of the series opener at the last moment owing to an injury concern. The legendary Pakistan batter is now set to make his return to the playing XI for the impending second Test. Babar Azam return will not matter, says Mushfiqur While speaking with the reporters a day prior to the series-decider in Sylhet, senior pro Mushfiqur Rahim praised comeback man Babar Azam. However, the seasoned wicketkeeper-batter also claimed that while Babar’s presence will strengthen Pakistan, the Bangladesh cricket team won the preceding two Tests against them when the legendary batter was part of the XI back in 2024. Also Read- Babar Azam Tipped To Captain Pakistan Again As Shan Masood Loses PCB's TrustMushfiqur Rahim said “I’m sure Babar’s presence will be a boost for the Pakistan team, especially because he is a world-class cricketer. But he played in the two Tests when we beat them in Pakistan.” Mushfiqur Rahim says Bangladesh will attack Babar Mushfiqur Rahim added that the Bangladesh team will be aiming to “attack” Babar Azam by executing their plans. The Bangladeshi veteran is of the opinion that the hosts can put the legendary batter and the rest of the visiting troops under pressure in the all-important decider. He said “We know where to attack him and how to plan against him. We're hopeful of executing those plans. If we can do that, we can definitely put him and the team under pressure.” Babar set for return after injury ouster Babar Azam recently led the Peshawar Zalmi franchise to PSL 2026 victory over Hyderabad Kings in the final. The cricketer himself bagged the ‘Batter of the Tournament’ award for aggregating nearly 600 runs. However, prior to the first Test against Bangladesh in Mirpur, the senior Pakistani batter was ruled out of the playing XI owing to an injury he sustained on his left knee. Upon getting monitored by the PCB medical team, he is now set to make his return to the national XI for the second Test of the series. Bangladesh clear favorites to clinch series While Pakistan fans will be hoping for Babar Azam to come up clutch in the impending series-decider, hosts Bangladesh will certainly start out as favorites to win another Test and seal the two-match rubber. Compatible to Mushfiqur’s claims, Bangladesh won its previous Test series against Pakistan, doing so on Pakistani soil back in mid-2024. After winning the first Test by 104 runs in Mirpur, Bangladesh not only took a 1-0 lead in the ongoing home series but also registered its third successive Test victory over Pakistan. The second Test will be hosted by the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium in Sylhet between May 16 and May 20. The series also constitute a part of the 2025-27 WTC cycle. Also Read- LSG Vs CSK Dream11 Prediction Today Match 59, IPL 2026 Fantasy Cricket Tips, Dream11 Team Today
