Rain plays spoilsport in Bangladesh-Pakistan second Test opener

The opening day of the second and final Test between Bangladesh and Pakistan scheduled to be held at Rawalpindi on Friday, has been washed away due to persistent rain and a wet outfield. The weather didn't even allow to do the toss.

Overnight downpours delayed the toss and after more monsoon rains, umpires abandoned play for the day shortly after midday.

"The first day's play has been called off due to persistent rain and wet outfield," Pakistan Cricket Board said. Neither team left their hotels.

According to the reports, the rain could play a spoiler even tomorrow, indicating a dull end of this match.

Bangladesh clinched a 10-wicket victory in the first match of the two-match series at the same venue, and they are poised well to win the series. If they can draw the second match, they would win their first Test series over Pakistan. 

In the first match, Bangladesh’s hero was Mushfiqur Rahim, who missed a double-ton just by nine runs, but that was enough to be awarded as the player of the match. Along with him, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shakib Al Hasan, and pace bowlers have also done well. 

The win in the first match was Bangladesh’s maiden Test victory over Pakistan in their 14th attempt.

Hosts Pakistan are desperate to square the two-match series after Bangladesh won the first Test, also in Rawalpindi, on Sunday.

Pakistan have left out pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi from their 12-member squad, allowing him time to spend with his newly born son.

Bangladesh are aiming to win only their third away series since gaining Test status in 2000, having beaten the West Indies (2009) and Zimbabwe (2021).