Weather remains a concern, while both teams are expected to make changes to their playing elevens as Bangladesh look to secure a second successive series win over Pakistan in the second Test, starting at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium today.

The match is scheduled to begin at 10:00am, with T-Sports to telecast the match live.

Bangladesh lead the series 1-0 after their 104-run victory in the first Test in Mirpur. However, rain disrupted both teams’ training sessions on Friday, and forecasts predict showers throughout the five days of the match.

Zakir Hasan, drafted into the squad as a replacement for the injured Shadman Islam, was seen batting alongside uncapped opener Tanzid Hasan in the net before rain interrupted practice at Ground-2 of the Sylhet Stadium.

The pair could probably open the innings today, with another opener, Mahmudul Hasan, also reportedly carrying an injury. Mahmudul was seen practising catches while Zakir and Tanzid were batting and appeared to be in discomfort after attempting one catch.

Although the Sylhet pitch presents a different challenge, former national team captain Mushfiqur Rahim believes the weather could have a bigger influence on the game.

‘I think the weather is a bigger challenge than the wicket. We recently played a BCL match here too, and Sylhet has always been a very good batting wicket. There might be a little moisture due to the weather,’ Mushfiqur told reporters on Friday.

‘But overall, it’s always great to be back in Sylhet. The facilities here are top-class in Bangladesh — the wicket, hotel, food, everything. Alhamdulillah, it’s always nice to come here, and this time is no different. Apart from the weather, as that’s not in our hands,’ he said.

However, recalling that play during a recent BCL match resumed on time despite overnight rain, Mushfiq pointed to the venue’s efficient drainage system.

‘I think the rain can come on and off here. But the drainage system is very good, so if the weather improves a little, I think a result is still possible. Wherever we play, our effort will always be to leave a positive impact,’ he said.

The 101-capped batter also advised teammates on staying mentally prepared amid possible interruptions.

‘It’s important not to overthink. You have to be able to switch on and switch off. When the game is on, we must stay fully focused, and when play stops, we should relax and focus on something else,” he said.

‘I think it is definitely not something to overthink. You have to be able to make sure to switch on and switch off. We have to make sure that we are switched on when the game is on, and when it does not happen, that we are completely off and we can focus on something else,’ he said.

Pakistan, meanwhile, would be boosted by the return of in-form batter Babar Azam, who missed the first Test due to a knee injury. Head coach Sarfraz Ahmed confirmed that the former captain was fit for selection.

However, Mushfiqur reminded everyone that Babar was also part of the Pakistan side that suffered a 2-0 series defeat to Bangladesh in Rawalpindi in 2024.

‘Obviously, we know where to attack him and how to plan against him. If we execute those plans properly, inshaallah, we can put him and the whole team under pressure,’ Mushfiqur said.

Sarfraz acknowledged the disappointment of the Mirpur defeat but insisted Pakistan were focused on bouncing back despite being forced indoors for training because of the rain on Friday.

‘Definitely, we as a team are disappointed after the first Test match, but the past is the past. We are hopeful for the next match. Insha’Allah, we will bounce back as a team,’ he said.