RAWALPINDI – The first day of the second Test match between Pakistan and Bangladesh at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium was called off due to persistent rain and a wet outfield.
Heavy rain in the morning delayed the toss, and both teams remained in their hotels after the rain stopped for a short while.
The Met Office forecasts intermittent monsoon rain and sporadic showers that have been lashing Rawalpindi and Islamabad since morning. The pitch was covered, but most of the stadium became marshy due to the downpour.
The match is expected to begin tomorrow morning, with both teams eager to perform well after Bangladesh won the first Test in Rawalpindi. Pakistan has left Shaheen Shah Afridi out of their squad, allowing him to spend time with his newborn son.
Coach Jason Gillespie said that they are looking for the best combination for the game, considering Pakistan’s recent struggles and early exit from the T20 World Cup.
The Pakistan squad includes Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Ali, Salman Ali Agha, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mir Hamza, Abdullah Shafique, Naseem Shah, and Khurram Shehzad.
In the first, Pakistan opted for a pace attack with four fast bowlers, but things did not go as planned.
