BAN vs PAK 1st T20I: The stage is set for a thrilling encounter as Bangladesh takes on Pakistan in the 1st T20 International of the much-anticipated series. With both sides looking to assert dominance ahead of a packed international calendar, this opening fixture promises excitement, intensity, and some fierce cricketing action.
Bangladesh’s Predicted Playing XI: Against Pakistan
The Bangladesh team has announced a balanced and promising playing eleven, blending youth and experience. Litton Das will captain the side and also take on wicketkeeping duties. His aggressive batting and leadership skills will be central to Bangladesh’s success. Supporting him in the top order will be Tanzid Hasan and Najmul Hossain Shanto, both of whom have shown promise in recent months.
Towhid Hridoy and Soumya Sarkar will hold the middle order, with their ability to rotate strike and deliver big hits in pressure situations. All-rounders Mahedi Hasan, who will serve as the team’s vice-captain, and Rishad Hossain add depth to the batting lineup while offering critical bowling options.
On the bowling front, the pace attack looks formidable with Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Shoriful Islam, and Hasan Mahmud expected to deliver with the new ball and at the death. This quartet has the capability to trouble Pakistan’s batting with pace, swing, and variations.
Bangladesh Predicted Playing XI:
- Litton Das (C & WK)
- Towhid Hridoy
- Tanzid Hasan
- Najmul Hossain Shanto
- Soumya Sarkar
- Rishad Hossain
- Mahedi Hasan (VC)
- Tanzim Hasan Sakib
- Mustafizur Rahman
- Shoriful Islam
- Hasan Mahmud
Head-to-Head Record: Pakistan Dominates
Historically, Pakistan has had the upper hand in T20I matchups against Bangladesh. Out of 19 encounters, Pakistan has won 16 times, while Bangladesh has managed to secure only 3 victories. This dominant record gives Pakistan a psychological edge, but Bangladesh will look to change the narrative, especially on home turf or neutral grounds where crowd support and conditions can play a crucial role.
Head-to-Head Record (T20Is):
- Total Matches: 19
- Pakistan Wins: 16
- Bangladesh Wins: 3
Despite the numbers, recent improvements in Bangladesh’s T20 performance indicate that the gap is narrowing, and they are no longer the pushovers they once were in this format.
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Bangladesh’s T20I Recent Form
Bangladesh enters this series after a slightly turbulent set of matches against the United Arab Emirates. Although they started strong against the West Indies in late 2024 with back-to-back wins, their recent T20I series in May 2025 ended on a sour note with two consecutive losses to the UAE.
Still, the team showed promise in patches, and the wins prior to the losses demonstrated their capability to dominate when everything clicks.
Last 5 T20I Matches of Bangladesh:
| Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| May 21, 2025 | UAE (3rd T20I) | BAN Lost by 7 wickets (5 balls remaining) |
| May 19, 2025 | UAE (2nd T20I) | BANLost by 2 wickets (1 ball remaining) |
| May 17, 2025 | UAE (1st T20I) | BAN Won by 27 runs |
| Dec 19, 2024 | West Indies (3rd T20I) | BAN Lost by 2 wickets (1 ball remaining) |
| Dec 17, 2024 | West Indies (2nd T20I) | BAN Won by 27 runs |
These results reflect a team that is still finding consistency but has the firepower to beat strong sides on their day.
What to Expect in the 1st T20I?
This match is more than just a series opener—it’s a test of Bangladesh’s growth in the T20 format and a chance to break Pakistan’s long-standing dominance. Key players like Litton Das and Mahedi Hasan will need to step up and lead by example. The bowling unit must maintain discipline and adapt quickly to Pakistan’s aggressive top order.
For Pakistan, maintaining their stronghold will be the priority, but Bangladesh’s hunger to deliver an upset could very well tilt the scales in their favor. The outcome may well depend on which team holds its nerve in key moments.