Bangladesh dismissed Pakistan’s concerns over pitch conditions on Tuesday with a convincing series-clinching performance in Mirpur. The three-match T20I contest ended early in the hosts’ favor, driven by tight bowling and a composed middle-order rescue.
The second match of the series brought both crowd emotion and on-field focus. Just a day after a tragic school plane crash rocked the country, fans turned up in Mirpur and watched their team put on a performance that swung between determination and control.
Bowling Brilliance Sets the Tone
Pakistan struggled from the outset. The top order faltered under pressure, losing multiple wickets during the powerplay. Fast bowlers from the Bangladesh side dominated, with a remarkable five-wicket burst setting the tempo early on.
Credit to Faheem Ashraf for his late hitting; it prevented a complete blowout. But the game was long gone by then. His runs were purely cosmetic and did nothing to change the actual result.
But really, this was The Fizz’s show, wasn’t it? The man was just unhittable on a pitch that was practically made for him. His off-cutters were magic. I mean, across two games, he’s taken three wickets and has gone for almost no runs. And of course, who else but Mustafizur would get the final wicket to win the whole thing? Absolute legend.
Consistent Performances Across Games
What stood out across the series was Bangladesh’s adaptability. In the first match, they chased a low target under pressure. In the second, they defended a modest total with calm execution. Even while resting key players like Tanzid Hasan and Taskin Ahmed, they never lost control.
The squad has looked composed, whether absorbing early pressure or breaking through with quick wickets. Each contest saw them keep Pakistan on the back foot.
Pakistan’s Response Falls Short
Pakistan’s tour has exposed familiar problems. In their home series earlier this year, they outplayed Bangladesh on surfaces designed to their liking. The reverse has happened now.
After Tuesday’s collapse, questions resurfaced about Pakistan’s ability to maintain intent under pressure. Captain Agha Salman had earlier said intent would matter more than outcome. But in Mirpur, that intent seemed to waver. Salman himself managed just nine runs from 23 deliveries. The required run rate ballooned beyond reach. Even 78 runs in the final 45 balls couldn’t rescue the innings.
Pakistan still has time this year to rebuild. With several T20 matches ahead, their focus now shifts to turning intent into results.
Also Read: Bangladesh Defeat Pakistan by 8 Runs to Seal First-Ever T20I Series Win
BAN vs PAK Match Details
Match: Bangladesh vs Pakistan, 3rd T20I, Pakistan tour of Bangladesh
Venue: Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka
Date & Time: Thursday, July 24, 5:30 pm (IST)/6:00 pm (local time)
Live Broadcast and Streaming Details: FanCode (app & website)
Spotlight on Struggling Batters
Hasan Nawaz’s form continues to raise concern. Across this series, he has yet to score, falling for a duck in both innings. His inconsistent pattern isn’t new. In March’s series against New Zealand, he notched a century but totaled just one run in the other four matches.
Pakistan seems to be betting on his explosiveness. But as the team faces the prospect of a whitewash, that risk may not hold much longer.
Team Combinations and Match Outlook
With the series decided, Bangladesh may consider minor rotation. There are no fresh injury concerns.
Bangladesh’s lineup will be led by captain Litton Das, who’s set to continue with his regular opening duo—Tanzid Hasan and Parvez Hossain Emon. The big question for them is in the pace attack—do they go with the experience of Mustafizur Rahman or the aggression of Shoriful Islam?
On Pakistan’s side, Agha Salman is leading the charge. They’ve got a tough call at the top of the order on who to pair with Fakhar Zaman. Keep an eye on their spin selection, too. They could stick with Abrar Ahmed or give the young Sufiyan Muqeem a shot.
As Pakistan’s bowlers continue to falter and depth looks thin, the door is wide open for changes in the lineup.
Relying on part-timers isn’t a long-term solution, which could mean an opportunity is coming for Farhan or Muqeem.
Weather and Pitch Watch
Despite seasonal rain in Dhaka, Mirpur’s conditions have stayed dry. A brief afternoon shower could still affect play, but pitch behavior is expected to stay consistent. If that’s the case, Pakistan’s batsmen face another challenge trying to decode surfaces that continue to outmatch their approach.
With the series already in Bangladesh’s pocket, the final match may offer one last glimpse into how much Pakistan can adjust on short notice.
