Bangladesh vs Pakistan – 2nd T20I Preview and Match Review
Venue: Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka
Date: July 22, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM PST, 4:30 AM IST and 12:00 AM GMT
Match Overview
Bangladesh are riding high after a commanding victory over Pakistan in the first T20I of the three-match series in Dhaka. As anticipated in the series preview, the Tigers used home advantage effectively, putting on a well-rounded performance to outclass a Pakistani side that struggled to adapt to the slow and low Mirpur pitch.
For Pakistan, the loss wasn’t just a blow to the scoreboard but a reflection of their continued inconsistencies in T20 cricket. The visitors were guilty of poor shot selection, needless run outs, and a lack of clarity in approach—prompting a visibly frustrated reaction from new head coach Mike Hesson, who criticized the pitch but also pointed fingers at his own team’s execution.
Current Form and Team Overview
Bangladesh
The hosts are currently enjoying their second three-game winning streak since the last T20 World Cup. Their recent T20I record stands at 7 wins and 6 losses since a 3-0 defeat to India last October. This period has seen flashes of brilliance and occasional lapses, but their performance in the first game showed encouraging signs of maturity and balance.
Taskin Ahmed’s return from injury has significantly bolstered their bowling. The pacer bagged three wickets, making it the fifth time in his last 13 home T20Is he’s claimed three or more wickets. With Parvez Hossain Emon also finding his groove after a tough start to his international career, Bangladesh are looking more settled, especially in home conditions.
Pakistan
Pakistan came into the series with momentum after a 3-0 whitewash of Bangladesh at home just two months ago, but that form didn’t translate into performance in Dhaka. Their batting was reckless—marked by three run outs and unwise shot choices, including captain Agha Salman’s ill-fated scoop attempt off Tanzim Hasan Sakib.
Fakhar Zaman was the only batter who looked comfortable on this pitch, continuing his strong record in Dhaka with a well-compiled 44. However, the rest of the lineup failed to adapt. The pressure is now on Pakistan to adjust quickly and show a more intelligent approach in the second game.
Head-to-Head Record
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Total T20Is: 23
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Pakistan Wins: 19
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Bangladesh Wins: 4
Interestingly, three of Bangladesh’s four wins have come at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka. At this venue, their T20I record against Pakistan stands at 3 wins and 5 losses.
Pitch Report – Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka
The Mirpur surface continues to be a slow turner, with uneven bounce and low scoring. The average run rate across the last 10 T20Is here is just 6.67 runs per over (132 per 20 overs), and seven of those matches were won by the chasing team. Teams winning the toss are likely to bowl first, especially with dew becoming a factor in the evening games.
Key Players to Watch
Bangladesh
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Taskin Ahmed: With eight wickets in his last four T20Is in Dhaka, Taskin is proving to be lethal on home turf.
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Parvez Hossain Emon: His power-hitting in the powerplay was a game-changer. Expect him to keep attacking up top.
Pakistan
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Fakhar Zaman: Scores of 37, 57* and 44 in his three T20Is at Dhaka prove he knows how to handle these conditions.
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Salman Mirza: Extracted surprising bounce and movement in the first T20I. Could be a dark horse to take wickets again.
Probable Playing XIs
Pakistan XI
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Saim Ayub
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Fakhar Zaman
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Salman Ali Agha (c)
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Mohammad Haris (wk)
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Khushdil Shah
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Faheem Ashraf
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Mohammad Nawaz
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Mohammad Abbas Afridi
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Abrar Ahmed
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Sufyan Muqeem
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Salman Mirza
Bangladesh XI
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Tanzid Hasan Tamim
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Mohammad Naim
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Litton Das (c & wk)
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Towhid Hridoy
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Mehidy Hasan Miraz
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Shamim Hossain Patwary
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Shak Mahedi Hasan
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Nasum Ahmed
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Mustafizur Rahman
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Shoriful Islam
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Tanzim Hasan Sakib
Match Prediction
Bangladesh look more settled and confident at home, especially with their bowlers dominating on a tricky surface. Pakistan need to be smarter with their batting approach and avoid gifting wickets.
However, Pakistan’s record suggests they don’t stay down for long. If their top order clicks and bowlers repeat their powerplay pressure, they can level the series.
Prediction: A close contest, but Bangladesh start as favourites based on form and home conditions.
Toss could be crucial—expect the team chasing to win.