Pakistan will probably be strengthened by the return of star batter Babar Azam for the second and ultimate Check towards Bangladesh in Sylhet, head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed stated on Friday.
A knee harm dominated Babar, 31, out of the primary Check, received by Bangladesh by 104 runs to offer the host a 1-0 lead.
“Babar Azam is out there for the following match,” Sarfaraz instructed reporters forward of the second Check beginning on Saturday.
“We’re disillusioned after the primary Check however the previous is the previous. We’re hopeful. We are going to bounce again as a crew.”
Bangladesh additionally has harm issues amongst its top-order batters.
Shadman Islam has been dominated out with a chest harm sustained through the first Check, whereas fellow opener Mahmudul Hasan Pleasure’s health can be being monitored.
White-ball opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim is ready to make his Check debut in Shadman’s absence.
Rain is predicted for the decider however Sarfaraz sought to minimize the situations.
“The climate is just not in our arms. If we’ve got a chance to play cricket right here, we will certainly play good cricket,” he stated.
Nevertheless, veteran Bangladesh wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim stated the climate may play a decisive function.
“I feel the climate is an even bigger problem than the wicket,” he stated, including that there may very well be a little bit moisture on the wicket.
Mushfiqur was unmoved by the prospect of dealing with a totally match Babar.
“If any particular person and such a world-class cricketer like him is within the crew, then naturally it is going to be a lift for them,” he stated.
“However after we received 2-0 towards Pakistan in Pakistan, he was there too.”
Revealed on Might 15, 2026