Pakistan bounced back strongly in the second ODI, defeating Bangladesh by 127 runs (DLS method) after posting 274 all out. The Men in Green now head into the decider in Dhaka with momentum and confidence to seal the series.
Match details
Venue: Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium
Date: March 15, 2026 (Sunday)
Time: 1:45 PM IST | 1:15 PM PST | 08:15 AM GMT
Team overviews
Bangladesh national cricket team will aim to recover after a heavy defeat in the second ODI. Bangladesh’s batting struggled under pressure, losing early wickets to Pakistan’s pace attack. The Bangla Tigers will need to regroup and make tactical adjustments, particularly against Pakistan’s in-form bowlers, to have a chance in the series decider.
Pakistan national cricket team arrive in the third ODI with momentum and confidence. After bouncing back in the second match, Pakistan’s pace attack has been in strong form, while the batting order finally delivered crucial contributions. Shaheen Shah Afridi’s leadership and balanced bowling attack provide Pakistan with the edge heading into the decider.
Key players
Bangladesh will rely on Litton Das to anchor the innings and Najmul Hossain Shanto to provide stability. Mehidy Hasan Miraz will remain important with both bat and ball. Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed are expected to lead the pace attack, aiming to exploit any early movement.
For Pakistan, Maaz Sadaqat and Salman Ali Agha’s batting form will be crucial at the top and middle order. Mohammad Rizwan will provide stability, while Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Abrar Ahmed continue to lead the bowling attack. The team’s balance between pace and spin gives Pakistan flexibility in all conditions.
Head-to-head record
The ODI series is now tied 1-1. Historically, Pakistan dominate the ODI record against Bangladesh with 35 wins out of 40 matches, while Bangladesh have 5 victories. Both teams have won one match each in this series, making the third ODI the decider.
Pitch report
The Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium remains spin-friendly and generally low-scoring. Scores above 300 are rare, with spinners often controlling the middle overs. Teams may opt for three or four spin options in their XIs. Batting first on a fresh wicket is preferred, but chasing teams have won a slightly higher number of matches in Dhaka.
Weather forecasts suggest temperatures between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius with cloudy conditions. There is minimal chance of rain during the match.
Probable playing XIs
Bangladesh Playing XI
Saif Hassan, Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Tawhid Hridoy, Litton Das, Mahidul Islam Bhuiyan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (captain), Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed
Pakistan Playing XI
Sahibzada Farhan, Shamyl Hussain, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Abdul Samad, Maaz Sadaqat, Saad Masood, Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Haris Rauf, Faisal Akram, Abrar Ahmed
Probable match scenarios
Bangladesh will look to bat cautiously and rebuild partnerships to post a competitive total. Pakistan may rely on early breakthroughs through pace to control the innings. A total in the range of 250–275 should be competitive, with the toss possibly influencing the batting strategy. Pakistan will aim to defend totals using both pace and spin.
Live streaming and broadcast
India: FanCode app and website, no confirmed TV broadcast
Pakistan: FanCode digital platform, no confirmed TV broadcast
United Kingdom: No official broadcast partner announced
Australia: No confirmed TV or streaming partner announced
Global viewers: Digital streaming via FanCode where accessible
Match prediction
With the series tied 1-1, the third ODI promises to be a closely contested decider. Pakistan enter as favourites due to their recent batting and bowling form, but Bangladesh have home advantage and could capitalize on early breakthroughs. Tactical adjustments, partnerships, and the effectiveness of spinners may determine the outcome.
