On July 24, 2025, at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka, Pakistan delivered a brutal bowling performance to crush Bangladesh for just 104 in pursuit of 179 — a 74-run win that felt more like a consolation than a turnaround. But here’s the twist: Bangladesh had already sealed the Pakistan tour of Bangladesh 2025 2-1 before the final ball was bowled. The real story wasn’t the scorecard — it was the milestone. For the first time ever, Bangladesh had beaten Pakistan in a T20I series. And they did it by winning the first two matches, then watching their opponents throw everything they had in the third — only to still walk away with history.
A Pitch That Turned the Tide
The Shere Bangla National Stadium pitch was never meant to be a batting paradise. It’s the kind of surface where the ball grips, turns, and sometimes kicks like a mule. First-innings averages hovered around 144. Second innings? Just 125. That’s not a trend — it’s a trap. By the time Bangladesh took the field to chase, the pitch had turned into a minefield. Spinners didn’t just get assistance — they owned it. Salman Mirza, Pakistan’s left-arm spinner, was the architect of the collapse: 3 for 20 in 4 overs. His variations, tucked into the rough outside off-stump, left batters guessing. Mohammad Nawaz added 2 for 28, and suddenly, Bangladesh’s top order was in tatters.
The collapse was surgical. One wicket after another. Tanzid Hasan out for a duck in the second ball. Litton Das, Bangladesh’s captain, caught behind off a ripper that turned square. Then came Mehidy Hasan Miraz — out for 12. Jaker Ali? Gone for 1. Mahedi Hasan? Bowled for 3. By the 7th over, Bangladesh was 41 for 7. The crowd, which had been roaring for a clean sweep, fell silent. The pitch had done its job. Fast bowlers had been neutralized early. The spinners had taken over. And Bangladesh’s middle order, so reliable in the first two matches, couldn’t find a single anchor.
How Bangladesh Won the Series Before the Final Ball
Let’s rewind. The first T20I? Pakistan collapsed for 110. Bangladesh chased it down with ease, thanks to Jaker Ali Anik’s 55 off 48 balls and Mahedi Hasan’s 33 off 25. The second? A nail-biter — Bangladesh won by 8 runs after Shoriful Islam and Mahedi Hasan combined for 5 wickets. That series lead was unassailable. The third match was just damage control for Pakistan. No pressure. No stakes. Just pride.
But here’s what made this series different: Bangladesh didn’t just win — they outthought Pakistan at every turn. They didn’t rely on power-hitting. They didn’t need explosive openers. They used the conditions. They bowled tight lines. They trusted their spinners. And when Pakistan’s top order failed in the first two games, Bangladesh didn’t panic. They adjusted. They didn’t chase big totals. They chased what they needed — and then some.
“This isn’t luck,” said a former Bangladesh selector who spoke on condition of anonymity. “This is growth. They’ve stopped trying to be Pakistan. They’ve started being themselves — disciplined, patient, and clever.”
What Pakistan’s Win Meant — and Didn’t Mean
Pakistan’s 74-run win was their biggest victory over Bangladesh in T20Is since 2021. But it didn’t erase the reality: they lost the series. And worse — they lost it on home soil. The collapse in the first match (110 all out) was the lowest T20I total Pakistan has ever posted against Bangladesh. The second match? They lost by 8 runs despite Faheem Ashraf’s fiery 51 off 32 balls. The third? They won — but only because the pitch did the work for them.
For Pakistan, the series exposed cracks. Their top order remains fragile. Their death bowling is inconsistent. And when the pitch doesn’t turn, they struggle to adapt. Salman Mirza’s performance was brilliant — but it was also a band-aid. Without that pitch, they might have lost 3-0.
A New Era for Bangladesh Cricket
CricketTimes.com called it “a historic milestone.” And they weren’t exaggerating. Bangladesh had never beaten Pakistan in a T20I series. Not in 18 attempts. Not in 17 years. Now, they’ve done it — and they’ve done it with a team built on grit, not glamour. No Tamim Iqbal. No Shakib Al Hasan. Just young players like Jaker Ali, Mahedi Hasan, and Shoriful Islam — all under 26 — playing with the confidence of veterans.
This win isn’t just about beating Pakistan. It’s about proving they belong. The Shere Bangla National Stadium has hosted 87 T20Is since 2007. Bangladesh had won just 27 of them before this series. Now? They’ve won three straight against the same opponent — and the world is taking notice.
What’s Next?
Pakistan returns home with a lot of questions. Will they overhaul their T20I batting order? Will they give more chances to younger spinners? Bangladesh, meanwhile, heads into the T20 World Cup 2026 as a team on the rise. Their spin attack — led by Mahedi Hasan and Nasum Ahmed — is now one of the most feared in the world. And their captain, Litton Das, is no longer seen as a question mark. He’s a leader.
One thing’s clear: the balance of power in South Asian cricket is shifting. And Bangladesh? They’re no longer the underdogs. They’re the ones making the rules now.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Bangladesh win the series despite losing the final match?
Bangladesh won the first two T20Is — the first by 69 runs after bowling Pakistan out for 110, and the second by 8 runs despite a late push from Pakistan’s lower order. With two wins out of three, the series was already decided before the final match. Pakistan’s 74-run win in the third game only prevented a 3-0 whitewash — but didn’t alter the series outcome.
Why was the Shere Bangla National Stadium pitch so challenging for batters?
The pitch is known for its slow, turning nature. First-innings averages were 144, but dropped to 125 in the second innings — a clear sign the surface deteriorated. Spinners gained grip as the game progressed, while fast bowlers found little seam movement. This favored teams that bowled tight lines and trusted their spinners, which Bangladesh did better than Pakistan across the series.
Who were the standout performers in the series?
For Bangladesh, Jaker Ali Anik scored 55 in the first match and took key wickets; Mahedi Hasan contributed with both bat (33 off 25) and ball (2 wickets in match two); Salman Mirza was Pakistan’s only consistent performer, taking 3 for 20 in the final game. Shoriful Islam and Nasum Ahmed also stood out with their economical spin in tight chases.
Is this Bangladesh’s first T20I series win against Pakistan?
Yes. Before July 2025, Bangladesh had played Pakistan in 17 T20I series since 2007 and never won one. This 2-1 victory marked their first-ever series triumph against Pakistan in the shortest format — a landmark moment in their cricketing history.
What does this mean for the T20 World Cup 2026?
Bangladesh enters the 2026 T20 World Cup with newfound confidence and a proven spin-heavy attack. Their ability to win in tough conditions, especially on turning pitches, makes them dangerous in any venue. Pakistan, meanwhile, faces pressure to fix their batting frailties — especially against spin — or risk early exits.