Sarfaraz backs Rizwan as Babar returns for second Bangladesh Test

SYLHET: Pakistan red-ball head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed has defended Mohammad Rizwan after the wicketkeeper-batter’s difficult outing in the opening Test against Bangladesh, saying the senior player remains an important part of the side’s plans ahead of the second and final match of the series.

Pakistan went down by 104 runs in the first Test at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur after failing to complete a fourth-innings chase of 268, leaving the visitors under pressure going into the next game in Sylhet.

Rizwan made 59 and 15 in the two innings, but he struggled behind the stumps, where dropped chances, missed opportunities and an unsuccessful stumping attempt helped Bangladesh tighten their hold on the match at key stages.

Speaking to reporters before the second Test, Sarfaraz said temporary lapses were part of cricket and backed Rizwan to respond strongly.

Mohammad Rizwan has been a brilliant wicketkeeper for Pakistan. Yes, he did not perform up to the mark in the first Test, but these things happen in cricket.

Sarfaraz, himself a former Pakistan captain and wicketkeeper, said returning to the longer format after limited red-ball cricket can be demanding for any player.

As a former wicketkeeper, I understand that when you return to a format after a long time, such mistakes can happen. But I am confident Rizwan will bounce back strongly in the next match with both his batting and wicketkeeping.

Sarfaraz was also seen working closely with Rizwan during Pakistan’s training sessions in Sylhet, where he offered technical input and support before the second Test in the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.

The defeat in Mirpur drew criticism from former cricketers and supporters, especially after Pakistan were unable to build fully on strong first-innings contributions from debutant Azan Awais and Salman Ali Agha. For Bangladesh, captain Najmul Hossain Shanto led the way with a century and a half-century in the second innings, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam caused major problems for Pakistan’s batting on a difficult surface.

Reflecting on the result, Sarfaraz said the team had been left disappointed but remained focused on making a comeback.

After the first Test we are very disappointed as a unit, but we remain confident of responding strongly in the next game.

He also said outside criticism and social media discussion had not affected the squad.

Criticism is nothing new for us when performances go wrong. Remarks from former players or discussions on social media do not impact the team.

Our entire focus is on the next Test match. I expect senior players to take responsibility, and we will review everything properly after the series.

Babar available for Sylhet Test

Pakistan are set to be strengthened by the return of Babar Azam for the second Test, with Sarfaraz confirming on Friday that the batter is available after missing the first match because of a knee injury.

Babar Azam is available for the next match.

Speaking ahead of the Test starting on Saturday, Sarfaraz added:

We are disappointed after the first Test but the past is the past. We are hopeful. We will bounce back as a team.

Bangladesh, meanwhile, also have concerns in their top order. Shadman Islam has been ruled out with a chest injury suffered during the first Test, while opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy remains under fitness observation. In Shadman’s absence, white-ball opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim is set for his Test debut.

Rain is forecast for the match, though Sarfaraz played down the issue.

The weather is not in our hands. If we have an opportunity to play cricket here, we will definitely play good cricket.

Bangladesh wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim, however, said the conditions could be decisive.

I think the weather is a bigger challenge than the wicket.

He added that there could be a little moisture on the wicket. Mushfiqur also said Babar’s return would naturally strengthen Pakistan, but noted Bangladesh had beaten Pakistan 2-0 in Pakistan with him in the side.

If any individual and such a world-class cricketer like him is in the team, then naturally it will be a boost for them.

But when we won 2-0 against Pakistan in Pakistan, he was there too.