Bangladesh veteran Mushfiqur Rahim has made a strong statement ahead of the second Test against Pakistan in Sylhet. The experienced wicketkeeper-batter said that Babar Azam’s return will strengthen Pakistan, but Bangladesh already know how to deal with the star batter.
So Bangladesh right now are up 1-0 in this two-match Test series after taking the first Test in Mirpur earlier this week. Basically the hosts have a real opening here, to close out the series on home soil and keep that strong momentum they’ve had against Pakistan in Tests.
Babar Azam missed the first Test due to a knee injury. But the former Pakistan captain is expected back for the second Test, which begins on May 16 at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, in case anyone’s wondering.
Mushfiqur Rahim Sends a Clear Message
Before the series-deciding game, Mushfiqur talked to reporters and he gave credit to Babar, calling him a world-class cricketer. Still, he also reminded everyone that Bangladesh had beaten Pakistan in Tests in 2024, when Babar was actually part of the squad.
Musfiqur Rahim said:
“I’m sure Babar’s presence will be a boost for the Pakistan team, especially because he is a world-class cricketer. But he played in the two Tests when we beat them in Pakistan.”
He also made it sound like Bangladesh already have a tactical plan ready, not just vibes. Rahim said his side knows where to push Babar, where to aim, and how to create pressure on Pakistan’s batting group.
He Added:
“We know where to attack him and how to plan against him. We’re hopeful of executing those plans. If we can do that, we can definitely put him and the team under pressure.”
Honestly, those comments from Mushfiqur only added even more energy heading into the Sylhet Test.
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Babar Azam Ready for Comeback
Babar Azam, meanwhile, recently had a strong PSL 2026 run with Peshawar Zalmi. He captained the side to the title too, and he grabbed the Batter of the Tournament award after scoring nearly 600 runs in the competition. pretty big.
But right before the first Test vs Bangladesh, Babar picked up a left knee injury, and he was forced out at the last moment. Pakistan then clearly felt that absence, because Bangladesh controlled the match and won by 104 runs.
Now the Pakistan Cricket Board medical staff has cleared Babar to return and slot into the playing XI for the second Test. Pakistan fans will be hoping the senior bat, the experienced one, can help them pull things back and level the series.
Bangladesh Look Strong Again
Bangladesh will head into Sylhet with confidence, coming off their recent performances against Pakistan. They’d already beaten Pakistan in a Test series on Pakistan’s soil in 2024, so this isn’t exactly a one-off streak.
Their Mirpur win was also Bangladesh’s third straight Test triumph over Pakistan. So now the hosts have another shot at making it a memorable series win, right in front of their home supporters.
The second Test between Bangladesh and Pakistan runs from May 16 to May 20 in Sylhet. And yep, this match is also part of the World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.
