Mirpur’s pitch was tricky. But Pakistan’s struggle with the bat made it worse.
Bangladesh dominated the first T20I, chasing down the target with 27 balls to spare. Pakistan started strong with Fakhar Zaman, but crumbled under pressure.
Three run-outs and a string of soft dismissals saw their innings stall. What followed was a low-risk chase from the home side.
Pakistan coach Mike Hesson will likely focus on the controllables. The pitch? Hard to fix. But their decision-making at the crease? That’s another matter.
Meanwhile, for Bangladesh, it’s a streak few expected.
Just two weeks ago, they had suffered a 3–0 whitewash at the hands of the same opponent. Their only T20I win this year came against the UAE—and even then, they lost the series.
But with key players returning and the bowling unit clicking, they’ve now won three in a row, including a statement victory over Sri Lanka.
Bowling turns the tide
Bangladesh’s turnaround started with an 83-run win over Sri Lanka, where each of the five bowlers took wickets. In the decider that followed, they stifled the opposition again. Now, with Taskin Ahmed back, the attack seems more complete. Against Pakistan, all but one of the dismissals not involving run-outs came via pace. That’s a shift.
Pakistan’s fast-bowling depth looks less convincing. With Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf all missing, it was Salman Mirza who led the attack. He made an early dent, taking two wickets in his first eight balls. But the support around him never showed up.
Without backup, Mirza may have to shoulder more than his share if Pakistan want to even the series.
Bangladesh’s top order delivers
Parvez Hossain Emon stepped up again. His 56 not out off 39 balls was calm, measured, and brutal when needed. It followed a 66 off 34 in the last match against Pakistan and a 38-run cameo against Sri Lanka. He’s inconsistent—no doubt—but dangerous.
He’s paired well with Tanzid Hasan, the more stable of the two. Together, they’re beginning to resemble a modern T20 opening pair: fast, fearless, and unfazed.
Pakistan’s batting questions grow
The Gaddafi Stadium, where Pakistan looked strong earlier, offered perfect batting conditions. This wasn’t that. In tougher settings, their approach looked brittle. It’s still uncertain whether this marks real progress or just a momentary high.
Pakistan didn’t train ahead of the second match, so any strategic adjustments remain a mystery. Coach Mike Hesson and skipper Salman Ali Agha have said they’ll back their squad. But if the team wants a spin option, Sufiyan Muqeem might slot in.
Also Read: Hesson Criticizes Mirpur Pitch After Pakistan Collapse in T20I Against Bangladesh
BAN vs PAK Match Details
Match: Pakistan vs Bangladesh, 2nd T20I, Pakistan tour of Bangladesh
Venue: Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka
Date & Time: Tuesday, July 22, 5:30 pm (IST)/6:00 pm (local time)
Live Broadcast and Streaming Details: FanCode (app & website)
Likely teams
Bangladesh probably won’t tweak what’s working.
Bangladesh is expected to go with a youthful and balanced XI, featuring Tanzid and Emon at the top, Litton Das leading from the front, and a pace trio of Taskin, Mustafizur, and Tanzim. Jaker Ali takes the gloves, while Mahedi and Rishad add depth with the ball.
At the top, it’s likely to be Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub setting the tone, with Mohammad Haris donning the gloves. Hasan Nawaz joins captain Salman Ali Agha in the middle order. Nawaz, Khushdil, and Ashraf bring that all-round balance every side wants. Abbas Afridi and Salman Mirza provide the pace threat, while Abrar Ahmed adds spin to the mix.
Conditions and weather
Rain may intervene. There’s a solid chance of evening showers, as the rainy season continues in Bangladesh.
Key stats
- Bangladesh’s 27-ball win was their biggest against Pakistan in T20Is
- It also ranks as their fifth-largest T20I victory overall
- Fakhar Zaman is 107 runs away from reaching 2000 T20I career runs
The second match could bring answers for Pakistan—or raise new ones. Either way, Bangladesh now have the momentum, the crowd, and a chance to wrap it up.
