If you want to place a bet on the second Pakistan v Bangladesh Test match this week, here's Wisden's view on the best odds to back.
Pakistan v Bangladesh: Who will win?
Having scripted their maiden Test match victory against their Asian rivals in the series opener, Bangladesh are eying a rare series victory. Pakistan’s decision to field an all-pace attack backfired on the flat Rawalpindi pitch, which is unlikely to undergo significant changes for the second match.
The Test was originally scheduled to be held in Karachi, but construction work owing to the 2025 Champions Trophy led to the venue change.
Despite the demoralising defeat, the odds on Stake are in favour of Pakistan to level the series at 1.60, contrary to Bangladesh’s 7.25. Given that the wicket had little help for the bowlers in the first test, the chances of a draw are 3.10 on Stake.
Who will the team be with the best batter?
Babar Azam has struggled for runs of late and hasn’t scored a fifty since his 161 against New Zealand at home in 2022-2023. He has now gone 14 innings without reaching the landmark. The occasion is perfect for Pakistan’s leading batter to turn things around. He is predicted to be the best batter in the last match, priced at 3.80 on Stake.
Another alternative can be Mushfiqur Rahim, who has the second-best chance (4.75) of succeeding among batters in the match. Mushfiqur was the Player of the Match for his marathon 191 in the previous Test. He is going through a late-career surge, making him a viable option.
Who will be the team with the best bowler?
Pakistan’s mainstay quicks, Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, lacked rhythm in the first Test, allowing Bangladesh to rack up 565 in 167.3 overs in reply to the hosts’ 448-6 in the first innings. The duo should be Pakistan's greatest asset in a possible turnaround. Both Shaheen and Naseem are priced at 3.25 on Stake to be the best bowler in the match.
Shakib Al Hasan, who played an important role in Pakistan’s second innings collapse with figures of 3-44, is another decent option at 3.35.
Who will be the team with the highest opening stand?
Pakistan will likely continue to open with Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub, and Bangladesh with Shadman Islam and Zakir Hasan. Ayub scored his maiden Test fifty in the last match, while Shadman contributed with a 183-ball 93, helping Bangladesh rack up the mammoth total. There's nothing to separate the two sides in this aspect, with both matched at odds of 1.85 on Stake.
Any other odds?
The best bet for the player of the match would be put on Shaheen. As the senior attack leader on a likely placid wicket, Shaheen is priced at 8.00. There are also good odds on Babar at 8.25, as well as Shah at 9.00.
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