Cricket fans, buckle up! The electrifying action of the T20I format returns as Pakistan takes on Bangladesh in the first match of a much-anticipated three-match T20I series at the iconic Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.
The stakes are high, and so is the excitement.
According to experts, Pakistan enters the opening T20I with a win probability of around 64%, thanks to its strong head-to-head record. But Bangladesh, playing in familiar Mirpur conditions, remains a dangerous opponent capable of flipping the script at any moment. With the home crowd behind them, Bangladesh has every reason to believe they can break the pattern.
Let’s not forget, while Pakistan whitewashed Bangladesh 3-0 in their last T20I series clash earlier this year in Lahore, Bangladesh recently secured a strong 2-1 series win in Sri Lanka. That momentum has led selectors to retain the same squad, banking on continuity and form.
Litton Das, Bangladesh’s history-making captain, is riding a high, having secured two overseas T20I series victories. But Mirpur hasn’t been too kind—Bangladesh has won only two out of seven T20I games there against Pakistan. Will this fortress stand strong tonight, or will Pakistan once again breach it?
Bangladesh’s strengths lie in their deep batting line-up and disciplined bowling unit. Tanzid Hasan, Tawhid Hridoy, and Shamim Hossain bring solid firepower, while Mahedi Hasan, Mustafizur Rahman, and Rishad Hossain add consistency with the ball. The pace attack, featuring Taskin Ahmed and Tanzim Hasan Sakib, is poised to deliver on home turf.
Meanwhile, Pakistan arrives in Mirpur with a refreshed side under new coach Mike Hesson. Missing key bowlers like Haris Rauf and Shadab Khan, Pakistan will rely on newcomers Ahmed Daniyal and Salman Mirza to prove their mettle. Abbas Afridi now stands as the most experienced pacer in the squad, with just 21 T20I caps.
The batting mix is exciting: young guns like Saim Ayub and Mohammad Haris join forces with experienced names such as Fakhar Zaman and skipper Salman Agha. All-rounders like Khushdil Shah and Mohammad Nawaz round off a versatile unit.
Weather may play spoilsport, as Mirpur is under the grip of heavy monsoon rains. With both teams aiming for solid groundwork ahead of the 2026 T20I World Cup, this clash in Mirpur is more than just a game—it’s a strategic battle.