Pakistan Likely Playing XI for 2nd Test vs Bangladesh: Check Predicted Pakistan 11 for PAK vs BAN Match in Rawalpindi

Pakistan cricket have been under a lot of scanner, especially with their performances in recent ICC events and it all seemed to hit a new low when the Shan Masood-led side suffered a shock 10-wicket loss to Bangladesh in the first of a two-match Test series. The hosts had a strong batting performance in the first innings and had declared but below-par shows with the bat and ball subsequently saw them set a paltry total of just 30 runs for Bangladesh to chase down, which they did with ease. The defeat also sparked a lot of criticism of the playing XI that was picked by the home side, which did not have any frontline spinner. Pakistan now are in a do-or-die position and need to win the second Test match, starting on August 30 to avoid a series defeat. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi Reveals Use of 'AI' in Selecting Squads for Champions Cup 2024, Highlights Lack of Quality Backup After Pakistan's Shock Defeat to Bangladesh in 1st Test 2024 (Watch Video).

Changes are expected in Pakistan's playing XI for the second Test, which is also set to be held at the same venue-Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The likes of Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam and Salman Ali Agha had unimpressive performances in the series opener but might be retained. Changes are likely to be seen in the bowling department with Abrar Ahmed, the sole spinner in the squad set to be picked, probably at the expense of Mohammad Ali or Khurram Shahzad. In this article, we shall take a look at Pakistan's likely XI for the second Test against Bangladesh.  PCB Announces Free Entry for Students at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium for Pakistan vs Bangladesh 2nd Test 2024 Starting August 30.

Top-Order: Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique once again will form the opening combination for Pakistan. The right-handed Shafique did not look to be in good touch but Ayub showed a glimpse of his potential by scoring his maiden half-century in Test cricket, in the first innings. The two will hope to spend a considerable amount of time together at the crease as they aim at providing Pakistan with a solid start. Captain Shan Masood, who too looked out of form in the first Test, will bat at number three, hoping to make a difference this time around.

Middle-Order: Former skipper Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan are key players in Pakistan's middle-order and all three are expected to retain their places. Babar Azam has copped a lot of criticism of late for his poor form and there's no better way to silence his detractors than to put up a solid show with the bat. Shakeel, the vice-captain was impressive in the first innings and would want to carry on that form in the second match as well. Out of all the Pakistan batters, Rizwan was the most consistent one, going past the 50-run mark in both innings, having scored a sparkling 171 in the first innings of the Test match.

All-Rounder: Salman Ali Agha is set to be the sole all-rounder once again. For Pakistan to be successful, a lot rests on Agha's contribution with both bat and ball. The right-hander managed scores of 19 and 0 in the first Test while remaining wicketless in both innings with the skipper calling upon his off-spin bowling skills. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi Promises ‘Changes’ After Pakistan's Shock Defeat Against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi Test.

Bowlers: One of the main reasons for Pakistan's failure in the first Test was the inability of Shaheen Shah Afridi to take wickets with the new ball. The ace left-arm fast bowler, who welcomed his first child during the first Test, got just two wickets in the match and needs to better that performance. If Abrar Ahmed is included, then one of Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Ali might have to sit out. Both players took two wickets each in the game and it remains to be seen who is left out to make way for the spinner. Naseem Shah is set to be the third pacer in the Pakistan playing XI.

Pakistan's Likely Playing XI for 2nd Test vs Bangladesh

Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (c), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel (vc), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shahzad/Mohammad Ali, Abrar Ahmed.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 27, 2024 10:47 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).