Pakistan bowl first as second Test against Bangladesh begins in Sylhet
Why this matters: local context for readers following news across Pakistan and the region.
SYLHET – Pakistan won the toss and opted to bowl first in the second Test of the two-match series at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Saturday. Pakistan made three changes to their lineup, with star batsman Babar Azam returning from injury to replace Imam-ul-Haq. Fast bowler Shaheen Afridi and spinner Noman Ali were substituted by Khurram Shahzad and Sajid Ali. The hosts lead the series 1-0, having won the first Test at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium by 104 runs. In that match, Pakistan fell short while chasing 268, being dismissed for 163, allowing the home team to secure the series advantage. Playing XIs Pakistan: Azan Awais, Shan Masood (c), Babar Azam, Abdullah Fazal, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Khurram Shahzad, Sajid Khan, Hassan Ali, Muhammad Abbas. Bangladesh: Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Kumar Das (wk), Mehidy Hassan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana.