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The second Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh, scheduled to take place today at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, is facing significant delays due to rain. The Meteorological Department has forecast rain throughout the day, which has impacted the match schedule.
On Friday morning, rain in Rawalpindi delayed the toss between the two teams. Both Pakistan and Bangladesh players remained at their hotel, and the umpires are expected to inspect the ground only after the rain subsides, with intermittent monsoon showers predicted.
Pakistan has announced its squad for the match, excluding fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi, while spinner Abrar Ahmed has been included in the team. The match is crucial for Pakistan, as they need to win to level the two-match series. Bangladesh currently leads 1-0 following their 10-wicket victory in the first Test, marking their first win against Pakistan in over 14 encounters.
The Pakistani batting lineup, which struggled in the first Test, will need to perform significantly better to counter the challenge posed by Bangladesh. The first Test showcased a strong performance by the visitors, who outplayed the hosts decisively.
In a positive development, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that students will have free entry to the second Test match from August 30 to September 3. To gain access, students must be in uniform and present their educational institution ID cards. They can watch the match from various premium enclosures, including those named after Miran Bakhsh, Shoaib Akhtar, Sohail Tanvir, and Yasir Arafat.
Additionally, a free shuttle bus service is available for spectators, although the free entry policy does not extend to the PCB Gallery or Platinum Boxes.
The rain also affected the third One Day International (ODI) between Pakistan Shaheens and Bangladesh A teams, which has been delayed in Islamabad today (Friday).
