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SYLHET: Babar Azam is likely to return to Pakistan’s playing XI for the second Test against Bangladesh, while the visitors are also expected to make another change to their bowling attack for the must-win encounter in Sylhet.
According to sources, Babar is confirmed to make his comeback after missing the opening Test in Mirpur due to a knee injury.
The star batter is expected to replace opener Imam-ul-Haq, who struggled in the first Test with scores of 45 and two.
Pakistan are also likely to reshuffle their batting order following the disappointing collapse that led to their 104-run defeat in the series opener.
Captain Shan Masood is expected to open the innings alongside young batter Azan Awais, while young batter Abdullah Fazal is set to retain the number three position after scoring half-centuries in both innings of his maiden Test.
Babar is likely to slot in at number four.
Meanwhile, Pakistan could also make a change in the pace department, with left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Afridi expected to be rested for the match. Sources suggest pacer Khurram Shahzad is likely to replace Shaheen in the playing XI.
Despite Pakistan’s defeat in the opening Test, Shaheen delivered a respectable performance with five wickets in the match, including three in the first innings and two in the second.
READ: Bangladesh suffer major blow ahead of second Pakistan Test
