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Mushfiqur Rahim Backs Bangladesh to Maintain Consistency Against Pakistan in 2nd Test

Bangladesh wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim has backed his side to maintain consistency against Pakistan in the second Test in Sylhet. He acknowledged the challenge posed by Babar Azam's return but expressed confidence in their plans against him. Rahim praised captain Najmul Hossain Shanto's leadership and batting consistency. Bangladesh secured a historic 104-run victory in the first Test to boost their ICC World Test Championship standings.

Key Points: Mushfiqur Rahim on BAN vs PAK 2nd Test: We Will Play Same Way

  • Bangladesh won the 1st Test by 104 runs
  • Mushfiqur Rahim backs consistent approach
  • Babar Azam returns for Pakistan
  • Bangladesh beat Pakistan 2-0 in 2024
  • Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto praised
3 min read

"We will try to play in same way": Mushfiqur Rahim ahead of BAN vs PAK 2nd Test

Mushfiqur Rahim says Bangladesh will maintain consistency in the 2nd Test vs Pakistan. He backs team plans against Babar Azam, praises captain Shanto.

"I think his biggest plus is that he takes leadership positively. He leads by example, so we are all bound to follow him. - Mushfiqur Rahim on Najmul Hossain Shanto"

Sylhet, May 15

Bangladesh wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim has backed his side's recent performances and said the team will look to maintain consistency as they continue to improve across formats, while also acknowledging the challenge posed by Pakistan.

Ahead of the second Test against Pakistan in Sylhet on Saturday, Rahim said Bangladesh had executed their plans well in recent matches and credited their disciplined approach for success.

"I think the Pakistan team is obviously struggling in Tests, ODIs and T20Is but we won [in Dhaka] because we played really well," Rahim said, as quoted by ICC.

"We were consistent against them. We will try to play in the same way," Rahim added.

Pakistan will be boosted by the return of batter Babar Azam. The 31-year-old missed the first Test in Mirpur due to a left knee injury.

However, Mushfiqur Rahim believes Bangladesh are ready for the challenge Babar brings, highlighting how Bangladesh managed to get the better of him during their historic 2-0 series win in Pakistan in 2024.

"I am sure [Babar's] presence will be a boost for the Pakistan team, especially because he is a world-class cricketer. But he played in the two Tests when we beat them in Pakistan, still we beat them." said Rahim.

Babar Azam managed to score just 64 runs in the 2024 series and was dismissed twice by Nahid Rana. Rana, the ICC Men's Player of the Month for April, has been in the form of his life and picked up a brilliant five-wicket haul in the first Test in Mirpur.

"We know where to attack him, how to plan against him. We are hopeful of executing those plans. If we can do that, we can definitely put him and the team under pressure," said the 39-year-old.

Praising Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto, Rahim said the captain's leadership and consistency have been crucial for the side's progress.

"Shanto is batting really well. I think his biggest plus is that he takes leadership positively. He leads by example, so we are all bound to follow him. I think he is a great leader. I am hopeful that he continues to bat in this consistent way, in Tests and other formats too," he added.

Bangladesh produced a brilliant all-round performance in the first Test to secure a historic 104-run victory over Pakistan, boosting their status in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.

The victory in Mirpur propelled Bangladesh to sixth in the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 standings.

The second Test starts on Saturday, 16th May at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium (ANI).

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Mushfiqur Rahim is such a legend! 39 years old and still so sharp. The way he spoke about targeting Babar Azam shows how much homework Bangladesh has done. Nahid Rana is a gem too - that fifer in Mirpur was brilliant. Cricket is really growing in Bangladesh!
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Rohit L
Pakistan's decline in Test cricket is worrying. They used to be so strong at home. But credit where it's due - Bangladesh have really stepped up their game. Their pace attack looks dangerous now, not just spin. This series win in Pakistan in 2024 was historic and they deserve all the praise.
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Anjali F
While I'm happy for Bangladesh, I hope Pakistan can bounce back. Babar Azam is world-class and his return should add some fire to their batting. But Bangladesh's planning seems top-notch. Should be a cracking Test match! 🏏
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Kavya N
Mushfiqur's confidence is well-earned. Bangladesh cricket has come a long way from being minnows. Their recent performances show they can compete with anyone. Shanto's captaincy has been a revelation too. The future of Bangladesh cricket looks bright! 🌟
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Arjun K
Great to see Asian teams doing well in Tests. Bangladesh's rise is inspiring for other smaller teams. But I do think Mushfiqur might be a bit too confident about their plans for Babar. Class players find a way to bounce back. Let's see how it plays out in Sylhet!

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