Pakistan are set to take on Bangladesh in the second and final Test of their series at Rawalpindi, starting Friday (August 30). After a historic defeat in the first Test, where Bangladesh scripted their first-ever win against Pakistan in the format, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made strategic changes to the squad in hopes of leveling the series.

In a move aimed at addressing the shortcomings of their bowling attack in the first match, Pakistan has recalled spinner Abrar Ahmed. Abrar, who boasts an impressive record of 38 wickets from six Tests, was left out of the first Test in favor of an all-pace attack. However, this decision backfired on the slow track in Rawalpindi, as the pacers struggled to make an impact while Bangladesh’s spinners, Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, combined to dismantle Pakistan's batting lineup.

Alongside Abrar, all-rounder Kamran Ghulam and Aamer Jamal have also been added to the squad. Both Abrar and Ghulam were previously released from the Test squad to participate in a four-day match for Pakistan Shaheens against Bangladesh A. Meanwhile, Aamer Jamal, who had been sidelined due to fitness concerns, has been recalled but will need to pass a fitness test before being cleared to play in the second Test.

In another boost for Pakistan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, who was released after the first Test to attend the birth of his son, has rejoined the squad. The left-arm pacer’s experience and skill will be crucial for Pakistan as they aim to bounce back from their disappointing performance in the series opener.

Bangladesh, on the other hand, will be riding high on confidence after their stunning victory. The visitors put up a strong batting display, scoring 565 runs in their first innings, and followed it up with a dominant bowling performance on the final day to secure a 10-wicket win. With a series win in sight, Bangladesh will look to replicate their performance in the second Test.

Squad: Shan Masood (c), Saud Shakeel (vc), Aamir Jamal* (subject to fitness), Abrar Ahmed, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Shaheen Shah Afridi.