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Pakistan is expected to make just one change to their playing XI for the second T20I against Bangladesh, set to take place on Tuesday at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.
Left-arm spinner Sufiyan Muqeem is likely to be included in the side, possibly replacing either Mohammad Nawaz or Abrar Ahmed. The rest of the playing XI is expected to remain the same.
Despite Sahibzada Farhan being part of the squad and in good form, especially during the recent Pakistan-Bangladesh series in May and PSL Season 10, Pakistan’s top order is likely to remain unchanged.
Bangladesh currently lead the three-match series 1-0 after defeating Pakistan by seven wickets in the first T20I.
In that match, Pakistan were bowled out for just 110 runs in 19.3 overs, their lowest total against Bangladesh in T20Is. Fakhar Zaman top-scored with a fighting 44 off 34 balls, but received little support from the rest of the batting lineup.
Bangladesh’s bowlers were on target, with Taskin Ahmed taking 3/22 and Mustafizur Rahman finishing with 2/6.
Defending a modest target, debutant Salman Mirza gave Pakistan a strong start by dismissing Tanzid Hasan and Litton Das cheaply. He finished with impressive figures of 2/23 in 3.3 overs. Abbas Afridi also picked up a wicket.
However, Parvez Hossain Emon anchored the chase with an unbeaten 56 off 39 balls. He shared a crucial 73-run partnership with Towhid Hridoy, who scored 36. Jaker Ali’s quick 15 off 10 balls helped Bangladesh reach the target in 15.3 overs.
Pakistan will look to bounce back in the second match to level the series.
Pakistan likely playing XI for second T20I:
Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Haris (wk), Hasan Nawaz, Salman Ali Agha (c), Khushdil Shah, Faheem Ashraf, Abbas Afridi, Salman Mirza, Mohammad Nawaz/Abrar Ahmed, Sufiyan Muqeem
