Bangladesh host Pakistan in the 2nd Test of Pakistan’s tour of Bangladesh 2026 at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium starting Saturday, May 16, with the hosts leading the series 1-0 after a dominant 104-run victory in Dhaka. Bangladesh have now won three consecutive Tests against Pakistan, including a 2-0 sweep in the 2024 series, and cannot lose this series regardless of the result.
Pakistan bring back Babar Azam for the 2nd Test after the former captain missed the opener, and Shan Masood’s side will be desperate to level the series and salvage valuable WTC points on a Sylhet surface that historically favours batting in the first three innings.
BAN vs PAK 2nd Test Betting Odds
Bangladesh are favourites backed by home advantage, a 1-0 series lead, and three consecutive Test wins over Pakistan, but persistent rain forecasts across all five days significantly raise the draw probability.
| Platform | BAN Win Odds | BAN Win % | PAK Win Odds | PAK Win % | Draw Odds | Draw % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1xBet | 2.10 | 48% | 3.50 | 29% | 2.80 | 36% |
| Stake | 2.15 | 47% | 3.40 | 29% | 2.75 | 36% |
| 4RABET | 2.05 | 49% | 3.60 | 28% | 2.85 | 35% |
| BetVibe | 2.12 | 47% | 3.45 | 29% | 2.78 | 36% |
| Parimatch | 2.08 | 48% | 3.55 | 28% | 2.82 | 35% |
Sylhet International Cricket Stadium Pitch Report
The Sylhet International Cricket Stadium has traditionally been a batting-friendly surface in the first three innings, with the ball turning appreciably from Day 3 onwards.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Venue | Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, Sylhet |
| Average 1st Innings Score (Tests) | 269 |
| Average 2nd Innings Score (Tests) | 301 |
| Average 3rd Innings Score (Tests) | 289 |
| Average 4th Innings Score (Tests) | 176 |
| Key Factor | Sharp decline in 4th innings average (176) suggests significant deterioration for Day 4-5 batting |
| Spin Factor | Surface expected to offer increasing turn from Day 3 onwards |
BAN vs PAK 2nd Test Weather Report
Rain is the dominant factor for this Test match, with precipitation chances of 95% on Day 1 and remaining above 70% across all five days. Sylhet’s pre-monsoon conditions make significant interruptions highly likely, and multiple sessions could be lost to weather.
Temperatures will hover around 28-32°C with high humidity throughout, creating challenging conditions for fast bowlers. The persistent rain threat makes a draw a realistic outcome regardless of on-field performances.
BAN vs PAK Head-to-Head Record in Tests
Pakistan hold a dominant lead in the all-time record, though Bangladesh have won the last three consecutive Tests in the rivalry.
| Stat | Record |
|---|---|
| Total Tests Played | 16 |
| Pakistan Wins | 12 |
| Bangladesh Wins | 3 |
| Draws | 1 |
| Bangladesh’s Current Streak | 3 consecutive wins (2024-2026) |
Recent Form
Both teams carry contrasting momentum from the 1st Test and recent campaigns.
Bangladesh Recent Form (Tests): W, W, W, W, L
Bangladesh have won four of their last five Tests, including a 2-0 sweep of Pakistan in 2024 and the 1st Test of this series by 104 runs. Najmul Hossain Shanto’s 188 runs (101 and 87) earned him the Player of the Match award, while Nahid Rana’s devastating 5/40 in the second innings dismantled Pakistan’s chase of 268.
Pakistan Recent Form (Tests): L, L, L, W, W
Pakistan have lost three consecutive Tests to Bangladesh dating back to the 2024 series. Their Day 5 batting fragility was exposed again in Dhaka, collapsing from 100/3 to 163 all out. However, debutants Azan Awais (103 and 15) and Abdullah Fazal (60 and 66) showed promise, and Babar Azam’s return strengthens the middle order significantly.
BAN vs PAK 2nd Test Probable Playing XIs
Bangladesh are expected to remain unchanged after their dominant 1st Test victory, while Pakistan will bring back Babar Azam and may adjust their bowling combination.
Bangladesh Probable Playing XI
Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Shoriful Islam / Ebadot Hossain
Bangladesh have no reason to change a winning combination. The pace duo of Nahid Rana and Taskin Ahmed, supported by spinners Miraz and Taijul, provides excellent variety. Shoriful Islam and Ebadot Hossain are the competing pace options for the third seamer’s slot.
Pakistan Probable Playing XI
Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Shan Masood (c), Saud Shakeel, Salman Agha, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Noman Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Abbas, Khurram Shahzad / Hasan Ali
Babar Azam’s return likely means Abdullah Fazal drops out despite his impressive debut of 126 runs across two innings. Pakistan may also consider introducing Khurram Shahzad for Hasan Ali or Sajid Khan as an additional spinner to counter Sylhet’s turning surface from Day 3 onwards.
Key Players to Watch in BAN vs PAK 2nd Test
These players are most likely to influence the outcome of this series-deciding Test based on 1st Test performances and career records.
| Player (Team) | Key Stat |
|---|---|
| Najmul Hossain Shanto (BAN) | 188 runs in 1st Test (101 and 87), PotM, captain leading from the front in Bangladesh’s dominant run |
| Nahid Rana (BAN) | 5/40 in Pakistan’s 2nd innings chase, dismantled the lower order with pace and discipline on Day 5 |
| Mehidy Hasan Miraz (BAN) | 6 wickets in 1st Test (5/102 in 1st innings), will be crucial on a Sylhet surface expected to turn |
| Babar Azam (PAK) | Returns after missing 1st Test, averages 45+ in Tests and his presence stabilises Pakistan’s middle order |
| Azan Awais (PAK) | Scored 103 on debut in 1st innings at Dhaka, impressive temperament for a young opener |
| Mohammad Abbas (PAK) | 6 wickets in 1st Test including 5/92, Pakistan’s most reliable seamer on Bangladeshi surfaces |
BAN vs PAK 2nd Test Prediction
This is a Test match where the weather could play as significant a role as either team’s on-field performances, with rain forecast above 70% on every single day.
Bangladesh enter as clear favourites on the basis of three consecutive Test wins over Pakistan, home advantage at Sylhet, and a settled team combination that functioned cohesively in Dhaka. Shanto’s captaincy, the Mominul-Shanto batting partnership, and the pace-spin balance of Rana-Taskin-Miraz-Taijul give them a well-rounded attack suited to Sylhet conditions. The 4th innings average of just 176 at this venue also favours the team batting first, aligning with Bangladesh’s stated preference to bat upon winning the toss.
Pakistan’s biggest boost is Babar Azam’s return. His ability to absorb pressure in the middle order addresses a weakness exposed in the 1st Test, where the middle order crumbled under Nahid Rana’s pace on Day 5. Debutant Azan Awais’ century provides a solid opening platform, and Mohammad Abbas’ 6 wickets in the 1st Test underline Pakistan’s seam bowling quality. However, the team’s inability to close out critical passages of play and their consistent Day 5 fragility remain concerning patterns.
The 95% rain probability on Day 1 and persistent forecasts above 70% across the remaining days make a draw the most likely outcome. If sufficient play is possible, Bangladesh hold the advantage, particularly if they bat first on a surface that deteriorates sharply for the 4th innings.
Verdict: Draw is the most likely result due to persistent rain, but Bangladesh are favourites if a full match is possible.
Win Probability: Bangladesh 40% / Pakistan 25% / Draw 35%
