Bangladesh vs Pakistan 2nd Test Preview & Tips - Pakistan to slump to 2-0 Test series defeat against Bangladesh

Following Bangladesh's superb 104-run victory in the opening Test, can Pakistan bounce back and secure a 1-1 series draw?

Pakistan still dominate the long-term Test rivalry between the pair, but the gap has narrowed considerably. Across the last 10 Test meetings, Pakistan have won six while Bangladesh have won three times with one game ending as a draw.

Bangladesh enter the second Test with a real swagger about them after notching a third consecutive Test match win. Their win over Pakistan in the first Test was preceded by a brace of big wins over Ireland back in November. 

Nahid Rana’s five-wicket haul in the second innings in Dhaka underlined the growing quality within Bangladesh’s pace attack, while Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz put on show their control and wicket-taking threat across both innings. 

Their batting unit also looks more stable than previous years. Mushfiqur Rahim and Najmul Hossain Shanto have anchored innings effectively, and Bangladesh now appear more capable of batting under pressure. In a world where batting for long stretches is becoming increasingly difficult, the pair have showcased their importance and skill in the longest format with aplomb. 

In the second Test, the Sylhet pitch is expected to break up and provide a lot of help for the spinners. The focus for Bangladesh will likely be on trying to bat first and build a score in the same way they managed in the first Test. Runs on the board piles the pressure on the chasing side, and this is a pressure that Pakistan have invariably cracked under.  

Pakistan arrive under significant pressure after being completely outplayed in the first Test. They have now lost three of their last four Tests, while their continued struggle for consistency away from home is becoming a major concern.

Their batting line-up remains heavily dependent on Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha. This over-dependence told in their second innings as all three were dismissed cheaply, with Pakistan skittled for just 163. 

Pakistan’s top order again failed in Dhaka, exposing recurring problems against spin and pace bowling. Meanwhile, their bowling attack still possesses quality, particularly through Shaheen Afridi and Noman Ali, but if their batters continually struggle, then the pair will consistently be under huge pressure to conjure up some magic. 

Unlike Bangladesh, Pakistan have found consistently getting runs on the board a real issue. Their bowlers also conceded over 650 runs in a performance to forget. With the pitch likely to suit Bangladesh's bowlers, I am backing Pakistan to slump to a 2-0 series defeat.