Bangladesh are preparing to host Pakistan in the second and final Test beginning Saturday in Sylhet. Bangladesh carry a commanding 1-0 advantage as they now stand on the brink of a memorable series victory after producing a stunning all-round performance in the opening Test in Dhaka. Bangladesh’s success in the first match came on the back of a disciplined performance that saw them dominate Pakistan across all departments. Their batting unit gave the side a solid start, with a magnificent first-innings total of 413, following captain Najmul Hossain Shanto's masterclass century.

His innings stabilised Bangladesh after early challenges, but Pakistan’s inability to maintain sustained pressure with the ball was on full display. Pakistan, however, came out strongly with the bat. Young batting prodigy Azan Awais delivered a gritty performance with a courageous debut century that gave some hope to the visitors. But Pakistan once again suffered from a familiar problem, experiencing a dramatic lower-order collapse.

The match-defining moment came during Pakistan’s chase of 268 runs on a deteriorating final-day pitch. Bangladesh’s bowlers exploited the conditions very well, bowling Pakistan out for 163 and sealing a 104-run win. Pakistan’s fragile batting lineup crumbled under mounting pressure, and the likes of Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Agha and Saud Shakeel could not handle the pressure. Now, Pakistan face a must-win game to avoid another disappointing overseas series defeat and keep their ICC World Test Championship hopes alive.

Meanwhile, Pakistan will be bolstered by the return of star batter Babar Azam for this do-or-die clash. For Pakistan to level the series, addressing their recurring batting collapses will be important because that remained one of the stark reasons behind their crushing defeat in the first match. Meanwhile, Bangladesh go into the second Test overflowing with confidence, having shown their ability to thrive under pressure. Their dominance revolves heavily around spin attacks led by the duo of Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Their only target will be to clinch a historic series win against Pakistan.

Head-to-head

Matches - 15

PAK won - 12

BAN won - 2

Drawn - 1

Bangladesh likely XI: Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Ebadot Hossain

Pakistan likely XI: Imam-ul-Haq, Azan Awais, Abdullah Fazal, Babar Azam, Shan Masood (c), Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Agha, Noman Ali/Sajid Khan Hasan Ali, Mohammad Abbas