![Bangladesh Star Ruled Out Of Sylhet Test [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1778766548250_BangladeshbatterShadmanIslamruledoutofsecondTestvsPakistan.jpg?type=hq)
Bangladesh Star Ruled Out Of Sylhet Test [Source: AFP]
Ahead of the second and final Test of the two-game series, Bangladesh have lost their star performer due to an injury. This is a big boost for Pakistan, who are trailing 0-1 in the series so far.
The first Test ended on a thrilling note as Bangladesh defended a total of 267 runs on day 5. Pakistan had an awful collapse as the batters had no answer to the home side’s bowling attack.
Bangladesh announce squad change for second Test
Meanwhile, the second and final deciding Test will be held at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Saturday, May 16. However, Bangladesh have suffered a huge blow just 48 hours before day 1 commences.
Bangladesh opener Shadman Islam has been ruled out of the second Test against Pakistan due to an injury. The left-handed batter sustained a chest contusion while attempting a catch during the first Test and has now been declared unavailable for the Sylhet clash.
To cover the absence, Bangladesh have recalled Zakir Hasan, who returns to the Test squad for the first time since November 2024. Zakir was the Tigers’ first opener to score a century on Test debut during the India series in 2022.
He is also a left-handed opener, so Bangladesh are keeping the batting combination similar.
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Bangladesh stunned Pakistan in Mirpur
Meanwhile, earlier in the series, Bangladesh beat Pakistan by 104 runs in the first Test held at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Mirpur. Najum Shanto gave a good start to the hosts as he scored a century and 87 in two innings.
While the game initially appeared to be heading for a draw, the Tigers showed courage. On day 5, Bangladesh set a target of 267 for the visitors. However, Pakistan completely surrendered under pressure.
Abdullah Fazal showed some resistance with 66 runs, but the rest of the pack fell apart. Captain Shan Masood scored only 2 runs. Rizwan and Saud Shakeel could only get 15 runs each.
Salman Agha, who had earlier challenged Bangladesh, managed to score just 26 runs. Pakistan eventually got bowled out for 163 runs to endure a humiliating 104-run defeat. That marked Bangladesh’s first Test victory over Pakistan on home soil.
Babar Azam is likely to return for Pakistan
Meanwhile, Pakistan could get another boost for the second Test, as their star batter Babar Azam is expected to be available. He missed the first Test after picking up a knee injury at the last moment.
Abdullah Fazal made his debut to replace Babar and did a good job by scoring half-centuries in both innings. It would be interesting to see how Pakistan manages their combination after Babar’s return.
According to reports, Babar Azam has begun practising and is looking in good spirits. Even Imam-ul-Haq earlier mentioned that the batter appeared fine to him. Hence, with Babar back and Shadman Islam out, Pakistan will boost their chances to level the series in Sylhet.
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