Zakir Hasan replaces injured Shadman Islam for Bangladesh's second Test vs Pakistan
Synopsis
Bangladesh's historic three-match winning streak against Pakistan is now riding on a squad reshuffle — Shadman Islam's chest injury forces Zakir Hasan back into the Test fold just days after Bangladesh's first-ever home Test win over Pakistan. With a series clinch on the line in Sylhet, the stakes could not be higher.
Key Takeaways
Shadman Islam has been ruled out of the second Test against Pakistan with a traumatic contusion of the chest sustained during the first Test in Mirpur .
Zakir Hasan , 28 , has been called up as replacement; he last played Test cricket in November 2024 .
The second Test begins on 16 May in Sylhet , with Bangladesh leading the series 1-0 .
Bangladesh's first-Test win by 104 runs was their third consecutive Test victory over Pakistan and their first-ever home Test win against the visitors.
Nahid Rana took 5/40 and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto scored 87 in the first Test.
Zakir Hasan has been drafted into Bangladesh's squad for the second Test against Pakistan after opener Shadman Islam was ruled out with a chest injury sustained during the first Test in Mirpur. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed the change on Thursday, 14 May, ahead of the second Test scheduled to begin on 16 May in Sylhet.
Nature of the Injury
Bangladesh national team physio Bayjedul Islam Khan confirmed that Shadman sustained the injury while attempting a catch during the first Test. 'Shadman took a blow in the chest while taking a catch during the first Test in Mirpur. He has a traumatic contusion of the chest and is in pain. He will not be available for the second Test, unfortunately,' Bayjedul said in an official BCB statement.
Bangladesh's Historic First-Test Victory
The injury comes at a particularly significant moment for Bangladesh cricket. The Mirpur triumph — sealed by a 104-run margin — was Bangladesh's third consecutive Test victory over Pakistan and, notably, their first-ever home Test win against the visitors. Bangladesh bowled Pakistan out for 163 while defending a target of 268 on the final day.
Young pace sensation Nahid Rana was the standout performer, claiming 5/40 to dismantle Pakistan's batting lineup in the tense final session. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto contributed a fluent 87 in the second innings, helping Bangladesh post a competitive total after adding valuable runs on the fifth morning.
Pakistan showed resistance through debutant Abdullah Fazal, who scored a composed 66 and stitched together an important partnership with Salman Ali Agha. However, crucial strikes from Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, and Rana after tea proved decisive.
Zakir Hasan's Return to Test Cricket
Zakir Hasan, 28, returns to the Bangladesh Test setup after last featuring in the format in November 2024. A fellow left-handed opener like Shadman, Zakir has previously impressed with his attacking approach at the top of the order. His recall gives Bangladesh a like-for-like replacement in terms of batting style.
What Is at Stake in Sylhet
With a 1-0 series lead, Bangladesh have a historic opportunity to clinch the two-match series against Pakistan in Sylhet. A series win would reinforce Bangladesh's growing stature as a formidable Test side at home, particularly against a Pakistan outfit that has now lost three consecutive Tests to them. All eyes will be on whether Zakir can hit the ground running and maintain the momentum Bangladesh have built.
Point of View
Something that would have seemed improbable even three years ago. Nahid Rana's emergence as a genuine pace threat changes Bangladesh's bowling calculus significantly, and if Sylhet produces a result, it will signal that Bangladesh's home dominance is no longer confined to spin-friendly conditions. Pakistan, meanwhile, face an uncomfortable reckoning about their Test batting's fragility against pace on subcontinental pitches.
NationPress
31 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Shadman Islam ruled out of the second Test?
Shadman Islam was ruled out due to a traumatic contusion of the chest, sustained while attempting a catch during the first Test in Mirpur. Bangladesh team physio Bayjedul Islam Khan confirmed he is in pain and unavailable for the second Test.
Who has replaced Shadman Islam in the Bangladesh squad?
Left-handed opener Zakir Hasan, 28, has been called up as Shadman's replacement. He last played Test cricket in November 2024 and is known for his attacking approach at the top of the order.
When and where is the second Test between Bangladesh and Pakistan?
The second Test is scheduled to begin on 16 May in Sylhet. Bangladesh lead the two-match series 1-0 after their 104-run victory in Mirpur.
What was significant about Bangladesh's first-Test win over Pakistan?
The 104-run win in Mirpur was Bangladesh's third consecutive Test victory over Pakistan and their first-ever home Test win against the visitors. Nahid Rana's 5/40 and Najmul Hossain Shanto's 87 were the standout individual performances.
What does Zakir Hasan's recall mean for Bangladesh's batting lineup?
Zakir Hasan is a like-for-like replacement for Shadman — both are left-handed openers. His return gives Bangladesh continuity at the top of the order as they look to seal a historic series win in Sylhet.
