DHAKA, May 16, 2026 (BSS)-Pakistan captain Shan Masood sent Bangladesh into bat first after winning the toss in the series-deciding second Test at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium today.

Bangladesh are leading the two-match series 1-0 following their crushing 104-run victory in the opening Test.

Aiming to seal its second straight series sweep against Pakistan, Bangladesh made two changes to the squad. The hosts handed a debut to Tanzid Hasan Tamim, after opener Shadman Islam was ruled out of the game following a chest injury, sustained during the first Test.

Tanzid, a successful white-ball cricketer, was chosen ahead of Zakir Hasan, who was called up into the squad after Shadman was injured. 

Bangladesh also left out pacer Ebadot Hossain to accommodate Shoriful Islam into the playing XI.

Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, however, said they also would have bowled first if they won the toss. However, he accepted the fact that they have to cope with the condition to make the most of the opportunity for creating another history.

"We would've bowled first as well, but I think we have to adapt to the conditions now and make the most of the opportunity to do something special for the team," Shanto said, adding that winning the game is their priority as always.

"We always play to win, specially at home. Over the last few years, we've tried to become more consistent in our performances in home conditions. Today is no different. We have to play good cricket, session by session, day by day."

Leading batter Babar Azam is back in the Pakistan squad after missing the first Test because of a knee injury.

Pakistan also included pacer Khurram Shahzad and offspinner Sajid Khan to the playing XI for its three changes from the opening Test. 

Imam-ul-Haq, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Noman Ali were left out to make way for them into the squad.

Shan Masood said unfamiliarity with the condition and the possibility of rain prompted them to bowl first.

"Look, there is grass covering and the pitch is unknown as well, so that's the reason we are bowling first," he said. 

"In the World Test Championship, every game counts. We will look to do well on Day 1 and take it from there on."

Line Ups: 

Bangladesh: Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Najmul Hossain Shanto(captain), Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Liton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana.

Pakistan: Azan Awais, Shan Masood (captain), Babar Azam, Abdullah Fazal, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Agha, Khurram Shahzad, Sajid Khan, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Abbas.