Pakistan national men's cricket team has taken a 1-0 lead in the BAN vs PAK Test series 2021. Therefore, the Bangladesh national men's cricket team has no choice but to win the second match to finish the series at 1-1. The Bangladesh team's performance in the first Test was really encouraging. Besides, a number of changes to the playing XI are expected for the forthcoming match, which could assist the host in performing even better against Pakistan. Take a look at three reasons why Bangladesh can win the second Test against Pakistan.  

Bangladesh can win the second match for three reasons in BAN vs PAK Test Series 2021 

Bangladesh have a chance to stun Pakistan in the second Test for a number of reasons. Three major factors why Bangladesh can win the contest are mentioned here. 

Bangladesh’s record in Tests at SBNCS, Mirpur  

Bangladesh's Test record at the SBNCS, Mirpur, is one of the key reasons they will play with confidence against Pakistan in the second match. The Sher-e-Bangla Cricket Stadium in Mirpur hosted the majority of Bangladesh's 15 Test victories. The most three victories were against Zimbabwe, as well as one each against England, Australia, and the West Indies.

Tigers have a good track record at the Mirpur ground when it comes to beating big teams. Overall, they have 6 victories, 12 defeats, and 3 draws in 21 matches at Sher-e-Bangla Stadium. Bangladesh will hope to improve their record by winning the second Test against Pakistan.  

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Bangladesh’s record at SBNCS, Mirpur   

    Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/ 

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Impressive performance in the first Test

Bangladesh team was psychologically crushed after a poor showing in the T20 World Cup and the T20 series against Pakistan. They lacked confidence prior to the first Test against Pakistan. Nobody expected Bangladesh to fight hard until the final day of the series-opening match. However, they surpassed all expectations by putting up a good showing against the Pakistan Test team. Team Tigers' performance in the first Test will surely motivate them in the second match.

Mushfiqur Rahim and Liton Das put up a 206-run partnership for Bangladesh in the first innings. Liton's first century in Tests came in this contest. He also scored a half-century in the second innings. Taijul Islam stood out among the bowlers. He snatched seven wickets in the first innings. The Pakistan batters also struggled a bit against Mehidy Miraj's off-spin bowling.  

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Another important point to note is that Taijul and Miraj are among Mirpur's top three wicket-takers. Taijul's average on this ground is 23.09, whereas Miraj's average is 17.02. It highlights how dangerous they can become in Mirpur's slow wicket. Overall, a handful of players looked impressive in the opening match. So, they will be even more driven in the second match to maintain this consistency.    

The presence of Shakib Al Hasan in the playing XI

After recovering from injury, Shakib Al Hasan will participate in the second Test between Bangladesh and Pakistan, which begins on December 4. With Shakib in the playing XI, the Bangladesh team will be even more motivated. Moreover, the inclusion of Shakib Al Hasan in the lineup will strengthen the middle order.

Shakib can put pressure on Pakistan batters with his spin bowling in addition to batting. Because Shakib has taken the most wickets in the Test format at Mirpur's Sher-e-Bangla Stadium. The left-arm spinner has 63 wickets at an average of 31.20 in 17 appearances.

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Bangladesh won two great matches against England in 2016 and Australia in 2017 thanks to his outstanding bowling. Bangladesh came back strong in the second match after losing the first Test against England in Chattogram in 2016, drawing the series 1-1 at Mirpur. It is possible to draw the series if the team plays well in the last match against Pakistan.

Bangladesh’s probable playing XI (2nd Test)

Shadman Islam, Liton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Yasir Ali, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Taijul Islam, Ebadot Hossain         

Aftermath

Bangladesh will have to put in a lot of effort to defeat Pakistan in the second Test of the BAN vs PAK Test Series 2021. Yet, they can do the unthinkable if they play with a proper game plan. Whatever strategy the team management employs to prevent Pakistan's momentum in the match, the Bangladesh players must execute it perfectly. 

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The fact that Bangladesh have a good Test record at the Sher-e-Bangla national cricket stadium is the most encouraging point. In addition, there will be some good adjustments in the playing XI. Bangladesh have a number of notable achievements in the year 2021. However, if they can win a Test match against Pakistan, that will be the best.