After getting crushed by 3-0 in the T20I series, Bangladesh suffered an eight-wicket loss in the opening Test match. They will have one last chance to finish the campaign with a win and gain some World Test Championship points when they take on Pakistan in the second and final Test.
They will be boosted by the return of Shakib Al Hasan and Taskin Ahmed. At Shere Bangla National Stadium, Shakib averages over 45 with the bat, and has taken 63 wickets in 17 Tests.
Bangladesh had needed rescue acts from Mushfiqur Rahim and Liton Das after they were left reeling at 49/4 in the first innings. In the second innings, their top four batters combined for just 19 runs. Captain Mominul Haque failed to reach double figures in two attempts.
Bangladesh will also miss the service of Saif Hassan, who is down with typhoid. He is likely to be replaced by Mahmudul Hasan.
Pakistan, on the other hand, are likely to go unchanged. Debutant Abdullah Shafique impressed with his sedate batting. He scored a fifty in each innings, and along with Abid Ali, laid solid foundations for twice in the match.
There was a concern over Abid's form as well, but with scores of 133 and 91, they have been laid to rest. Azhar Ali, on the other hand, needs runs. His unbeaten 24 in the previous Test is the highest he has managed in his last three Tests.
Probable XIs
Bangladesh: Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan, Nazmul Hossain, Mominul Haque (c), Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Liton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Abu Jayed/Taskin Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain
Pakistan: Abid Ali, Abdullah Shafique, Azhar Ali, Babar Azam (c), Fawad Alam, Mohammad Rizwan, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Sajid Khan, Nauman Ali, Shaheen Afridi
Fantasy Tips
- Abid and Shafique were both impressive in the first game. With Azhar going through a rough patch, Abid, Shafique and Babar should be your three batters from Pakistan.
- From Bangladesh, pick Rahim.
- Shakib is a must-pick.
- Shaheen Shah Afridi and Taijul Islam are must-haves for your fantasy team.
Fantasy XI
Abid Ali, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Taijul Islam, Hasan Ali, Shakib Al Hasan, Mehidy Hasan, Liton Das, Nauman Ali