Pakistan bowl first in emotional 2nd T20I against Bangladesh amid Dhaka tragedy

Pakistan have won the toss and opted to bowl first in the second T20 International against Bangladesh at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, as both sides took the field under the shadow of grief following a tragic fighter jet crash in Dhaka a day earlier.

The decision comes as Pakistan seek redemption after a bruising defeat in the opening match of the series. Skipper Salman Agha confirmed the team’s intent to chase, a strategy they feel more confident executing on what appears to be a batting-friendly surface.

"Tragic events yesterday," Salman said, referring to the crash. "It's a very, very sad incident. My heart and prayers go out to the affected families. As a nation and as PCB, we stand with them."

Pakistan made one change to their playing XI, handing a debut to pacer Ahmed Daniyal in place of spinner Abrar Ahmed. "No matter how flat the wicket is, it’s about bowling in the right areas — that’s what we’re focusing on today," Salman added.

Bangladesh captain Litton Das, visibly emotional during the toss, said the team is playing with “heavy hearts.”

“We all know what happened yesterday was not easy to accept. We’re still very emotional. As a parent, I can relate deeply,” said Litton. “But we’ll try hard to carry the momentum and put up a strong total.”

The Tigers also made two changes: Naim Sheikh and Shoriful Islam returned to the side, replacing Tanzid Tamim and Taskin Ahmed.

Playing XIs:

Bangladesh: Parvez Hossain Emon, Naim Sheikh, Litton Das (capt & wk), Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman.

Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris (wk), Hasan Nawaz, Salman Agha (capt), Mohammad Nawaz, Khushdil Shah, Faheem Ashraf, Abbas Afridi, Salman Mirza, Ahmed Daniyal