Shaheen Afridi Dropped; Pakistan's Probable XI For 2nd Test Vs Bangladesh

Pakistan will face Bangladesh in 2nd Test on Friday [X]Pakistan will face Bangladesh in 2nd Test on Friday [X]

On Friday, Pakistan will take on Bangladesh in the much-awaited second Test of the ongoing two-match series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. 

The hosts had a disastrous start to the series, with the Tigers handing them a shambolic ten-wicket defeat in the opening match. So, considering it's a do-or-die encounter for them, Pakistan will likely field their best-ever combination in this game. 

Meanwhile, ace speedster Shaheen Afridi has been excluded from Pakistan's twelve-man squad for the decider. Renowned for his ability to bowl lethal spells with the new ball, Shaheen was sub-par in the first Test. 

According to Pakistan's Test head coach, Jason Gillespie, the fast bowler has received some feedback to improve his performance with the red cherry. 

Who will replace Shaheen Afridi in 2nd Test vs Bangladesh?

Pakistan have included left-arm pacer Mir Hamza in their twelve-member team, and, in all likelihood, he will be Shaheen's like-for-like replacement for the second Test. 

Hamza was impressive on Pakistan's Australia tour last year and also bowled magical spells in the recently held four-day contest against Bangladesh-A. So, he is expected to bowl with the new ball alongside prominent pacer Naseem Shah. 

Mohammad Ali likely to make way for Abrar Ahmed

Right-arm pacer Mohammad Ali was picked ahead of Mir Hamza for the first Test. However, his disappointing performance might lead to his exclusion from Pakistan's playing XI for this game. 

Abrar Ahmed will likely replace the pacer, considering the Rawalpindi track's nature to favour the spinners. The rest of Pakistan's line-up will likely be similar to the one they had in the series opener. 

Pakistan's probable playing XI for 2nd Test vs Bangladesh

Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Shan Masood (C), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Agha Salman, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza