After a disappointing loss in the first Test of the two-match series in Sylhet, Bangladesh are determined to prove their Test credentials when they take on Sri Lanka in the second Test starting Saturday in Chattogram.

In the first Test, Bangladesh's batting faltered, failing to reach 200 runs in either innings. The top-order, in particular, failed to live up to expectations.

However, Bangladesh will be bolstered by the return of star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who is making his Test comeback after a year-long absence. Despite not having played any first-class cricket in the past year, Shakib's presence is expected to boost the team's morale.

While Shakib returns, head coach Chandika Hathurusingha will be unavailable due to personal reasons. Assistant coach Nic Pothas will take charge of the Tigers for this Test. Pothas expressed his delight at Shakib's return, stating that the all-rounder is also happy to be back with the Test squad.

Unlike Sylhet, the Chattogram wicket is known to be more favorable to batsmen and spinners. This may prompt Bangladesh to field a spin-heavy playing XI, potentially including an extra batsman. However, Pothas has indicated that the final playing XI is yet to be determined.

Shakib's return provides Bangladesh with the flexibility to include an extra bowler or batter in their lineup. However, his recent lean patch with the bat may favor the inclusion of an extra batter.

The match is scheduled to begin at 10am Bangladesh time and will be broadcast live on T-Sports and various other platforms around the world.

Bangladesh squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Hasan Mahmud, Khaled Ahmed, Litton Das, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mominul Haque, Nahid Rana, Nayeem Hasan, Shadman Islam, Shahadat Hossain, Shakib Al Hasan, Shoriful Islam, Taijul Islam, Towhid Hridoy, Zakir Hasan

Sri Lanka squad: Dhananjaya de Silva (captain), Kusal Mendis (vice-captain), Dinesh Chandimal, Vishwa Fernando, Nishan Madushka, Chamika Gunasekara, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lahiru Udara, Prabath Jayasuriya, Dimuth Karunaratne, Lahiru Kumara, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Ramesh Mendis, Nishan Peiris, Kasun Rajitha, Sadeera Samarawickrama.

MSH

Bangladeshi wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim is set to feature for Fortune Barishal in the forthcoming Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).

Mushfiqur had played for Sylhet Strikers in the last edition. His price was fixed at 80 lakhs in the players' draft according to the category. Which means he was in 'A' category.

The top category player will play along with other star players like Tamim Iqbal, Mahmudullah, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and Khaled Ahmed in Fortune Barishal.

Neymar said he was relishing “new challenges and opportunities in new places” after he joined Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal from Paris Saint-Germain on a two-year deal Tuesday, becoming the latest big name lured to the oil-rich Gulf state.

The Brazil forward, 31, ends a six-year stay in the French capital and follows in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Sadio Mane in swapping Europe for the Middle East.

“I have achieved a lot in Europe and enjoyed special times, but I have always wanted to be a global player and test myself with new challenges and opportunities in new places,” Neymar said in a statement from the Saudi Pro League.

“I want to write new sporting history, and the Saudi Pro League has tremendous energy and quality players at the moment,” he added.

Neymar was “in negotiations” on Sunday to become the latest football superstar to decamp for Saudi Arabia, leaving Paris Saint-Germain just as Kylian Mbappe was brought back in from the cold by the French champions.

A source close to PSG told AFP that 31-year-old Neymar “no longer figures in the club or manager’s plans” with the Brazilian immediately linked to Al-Hilal in the Gulf kingdom.

Another source in Saudi Arabia said that “direct negotiations” between Neymar’s agents and the Public Investment Fund (PIF) were ongoing.