The Pakistan cricket team is all set to face Bangladesh in the opening match of their three-match T20I series at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur on Sunday, July 20, 2025.
With both sides eyeing preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, this series promises to deliver high-octane cricket in subcontinental conditions.
Pakistan arrived in Bangladesh earlier this week, marking the beginning of a crucial white-ball assignment under head coach Mike Hesson. This series will be only their second under his guidance, adding an element of strategic experimentation.
The squad features a mix of experienced campaigners and emerging talents. Notable absentees like Shadab Khan and Haris Rauf due to injuries have created opportunities for uncapped pacers Ahmed Daniyal and Salman Mirza. Abbas Afridi now leads the fast-bowling unit with just 21 T20Is to his name.
In the batting department, the team boasts a vibrant combination of youth and experience. The explosive trio of Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris, and Sahibzada Farhan joins hands with senior players like Fakhar Zaman and skipper Salman Agha. All-round options such as Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, and Khushdil Shah provide valuable depth, while Sufiyan Muqeem offers spin variety.
Bangladesh enters the series with momentum on their side after a recent 2-1 T20I win in Sri Lanka. They’ve retained the same squad for this home challenge, with Litton Das leading the team.
Despite his recent overseas series wins, Litton is aware of the challenge posed by Pakistan, having suffered a 3-0 whitewash in Lahore earlier this year.
The Tigers’ batting unit has shown improvement, with Tanzid Hasan, Tawhid Hridoy, and Shamim Hossain stepping up alongside Litton. Their bowling attack appears well-rounded, led by Mahedi Hasan’s consistency, and supported by Rishad Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, and the pace trio of Taskin Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, and Shoriful Islam.
Historically, Bangladesh has managed just three wins in 22 T20Is against Pakistan, including only two at home. However, Pakistan’s shaky away record, particularly against top-tier teams, offers the hosts a chance to reverse the trend.
With monsoon rains looming and both sides fine-tuning their squads for the upcoming World Cup, the stage is set for an intense, rain-affected thriller in Mirpur.