Mirpur, July 21, 2025 – All eyes turn to the Shere Bangla National Stadium as Pakistan gear up for a crucial comeback in the second T20I of their three-match series against Bangladesh on July 22.
Trailing 1-0, Pakistan must win this match to keep the series alive and avoid a rare T20I series defeat to the hosts.
The first T20I exposed cracks in Pakistan’s game, especially with the bat. Bowled out for just 109 — their 16th-lowest total in T20Is — Pakistan suffered their third T20I defeat in Dhaka. Head coach Mike Hesson criticized the Mirpur pitch, calling it unfit for international standards. Still, he admitted that the loss went beyond the surface, citing poor shot selection and lack of intent from Pakistan’s batting unit.
Despite the defeat, there were glimpses of promise. Fakhar Zaman stood tall among the ruins, while Salman Mirza impressed with a fiery bowling spell. The bowling attack, although missing pace stars Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah, showed grit. Pakistan’s young bowlers may lack experience, but their raw energy and fearlessness are beginning to turn heads in T20I circles.
Now, the focus shifts to Pakistan’s next generation of batters. Players like Saim Ayub and Mohammad Haris are under the spotlight, tasked with injecting purpose into the batting order. Their performances could mark a turning point in Pakistan’s T20I strategy ahead of the Asia Cup and the T20 World Cup next year.
Bangladesh, on the other hand, are brimming with confidence. Fresh off a historic series win in Sri Lanka, they dominated the opening T20I and are now one win away from clinching the series. Their top-order trio — Tanzid, Litton, and Tawhid — has the firepower to dismantle any attack. Meanwhile, Taskin Ahmed continues to lead the bowling unit with precision and pace.
The second T20I is more than just a game for Pakistan — it’s a test of character. A win will not only level the series but also inject momentum into a side desperately seeking form. In a classic subcontinental showdown, Pakistan must bring their best to Mirpur.