• Shakib Al Hasan is the leading run-scorer and leading wicket-taker in Tests in Mirpur. In 17 matches, Shakib has aggregated 1313 runs (average 45.28) and bagged 63 wickets (average 31.21) in Mirpur.
• Mirpur may also witness Shakib accomplishing a rare all-round double – of 4000 runs and 200 wickets. Only five players have accomplished this feat in Test cricket before Shakib. Shakib is only 67 runs behind from joining the august company of Garry Sobers, Ian Botham, Kapil Dev, Jacques Kallis and Daniel Vettori.
• Pakistan is Shakib's most and least favourite opponent at the same time. With the bat, Shakib averages 68.66 – his best performance against any opponent. With the ball, Shakib averages 63.88 – his worst performance against any opponent.

Despite losing the first Test in Chattogram, Bangladesh have gained some confidence from the of star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan as they take on Babar Azam's Pakistan side in the second and final Test at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur today.

Shakib, who has recovered from a hamstring injury sustained during Bangladesh's Super 12 game against West Indies in the T20 World Cup, missed both the T20I series and the first Test against Pakistan. He was seen spending hours in the nets and seemed determined to make an impact against Pakistan not only through his often outstanding performances, but also by lending his wealth of experience and boosting the morale of the Tigers.

The 34-year-old's presence also gives the team management the luxury of opting for an extra bowler or a batsman in their attempt to form a good combination for the crucial Mirpur Test.

"It is easier when Shakib is back in the team. So far I have seen him doing well. Given his return, we are thinking of having four bowlers and seven batters in the playing eleven," skipper Mominul Haque said during a virtual pre-match press meet yesterday.

Bangladesh will certainly require Shakib's experience with the bat, with the Tigers' top-order being abysmal.

They were reduced to 49 for four in the first innings of the first Test and were reeling on 25 for four in the second innings against the quality fast-bowling attack featuring Shaheen Afridi and Hasan Ali. They eventually folded for just 157 in the second innings, setting a meagre 202-run target that saw them crash to an eight-wicket defeat. Shakib is both the leading run-scorer and wicket-taker in Tests in Mirpur and Bangladesh will desperately require him to share responsibility in the batting department alongside the experienced Mushfiqur Rahim and in-form Liton Das.

"When he [Shakib Al Hasan] comes, I become relaxed. Both his batting and bowling are important and his presence in the team combination is very positive for us," Mominul added.

The star cricketer will also approach the milestones of achieving a rare all-round double of 4000 runs and 200 wickets in Test wicket. Shakib requires 67 runs to join an elite list that features Garry Sobers, Ian Botham, Kapil Dev, Jacques Kallis and Daniel Vettori.