In world cricket, Bangladesh often carry the tag of underdogs. But try facing them on their home turf and you’ll see a different beast altogether. That’s the challenge Pakistan are gearing up for as they arrive in Dhaka for a three-match T20I series that promises to be anything but predictable.
A Home Advantage with Momentum
The Tigers are coming into this series with their tails up, having recently sealed an impressive 2-1 series win in Sri Lanka. That victory has not only boosted morale but also ensured the selectors had no need to shuffle the pack.
Bangladesh have named an unchanged squad for the series against Pakistan – a clear signal of their intent to build consistency ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup.
“It’s a different matter if changes are absolutely necessary,” explained Najmul Abedeen Fahim, Chairman of Cricket Operations at the BCB.
“But till the World Cup, we want consistency and to avoid unnecessary experimentation. It’s important to have stability in the squad.”
From Whitewash to Revenge?
This series comes just months after these same two sides faced off in Pakistan. That one wasn’t pretty for Bangladesh; they were whitewashed 3-0 by Pakistan and left licking their wounds. To make matters worse, they had entered that series off a shock defeat to UAE, which dented both their form and confidence.
Now, the tables have turned. Backed by a solid series win and home conditions, Bangladesh will fancy their chances of settling scores. And let’s be honest, few teams are as feisty as Bangladesh when they’re playing in Mirpur.
The Numbers Don’t Lie… But Can They Be Rewritten?
History tilts heavily in Pakistan’s favour. Out of 22 T20Is between the two nations, Pakistan have won 19. Bangladesh? Just three. But cricket isn’t played on paper.
With momentum on their side and a familiar pitch underfoot, the Tigers could script a different tale this time around.
Led by Salman Ali Agha, the Pakistan squad touched down in Dhaka on July 16. It’s a side that blends youth with experience, but they are missing a few key names.
Shadab Khan and Haris Rauf are ruled out due to injuries, and Hasan Ali is still playing county cricket in England with Birmingham Bears.
While the absence of such senior names could be seen as a blow, it also opens up opportunities for younger players to step up.
Series Schedule
- 1st T20I – 20 July
- 2nd T20I – 22 July
- 3rd T20I – 24 July
All matches will be played at the Shere-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur.
Squads:
Bangladesh: Litton Kumer Das (c), Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Parvez Hossain Emon, Md Naim Sheikh, Tawhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali Anik, Shamim Hossain Patwari, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mohammad Saifuddin.
Pakistan: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Sufiyan Muqeem.
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.
