Pakistan and Bangladesh are set to kick off their three-match T20I series with the 1st encounter on July 20, 2025, at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka. With both teams fielding youthful squads and fresh leadership, this clash marks an important opportunity to fine-tune strategies ahead of the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup. Pakistan arrives with a slightly experimental lineup under new T20I captain Salman Ali Agha, while Bangladesh, led by Litton Das, will bank on home conditions to draw first blood.
Live Streaming Info
Cricket fans can watch the match live on Gazi TV (Bangladesh), PTV Sports (Pakistan), Sony Liv & FanCode (India), and Willow TV (USA). Match Start Time: 6:30 PM PST | 7:00 PM IST | 1:30 PM GMT
Team Analysis
Captain Litton Das (c & wk) leads a strong side unchanged from their Sri Lankan success. The top order—Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanzid Hasan, and Towhid Hridoy—has shown flashes of brilliance and aggression, with the ability to dominate the powerplay if given width or pace. All-rounders like Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Mustafizur Rahman supply crucial balance, offering both containment and breakthroughs with the ball. Spinner Rishad Hossain and pace spearhead Shoriful Islam provide control in the middle overs, especially on slow Dhaka tracks that favor variation and cutters.
Bangladesh’s bowling attack is well-suited for subcontinental conditions. The variation among their spinners—Rishad’s wrist spin and Mahedi Hasan’s off-breaks—creates sustained pressure, especially when paired with Taskin Ahmed’s raw pace in short bursts. Their ability to contain runs during the middle overs has been key to their recent success, and with Mustafizur’s off-cutters and yorkers in the death overs, they possess tools to restrict even aggressive batting lineups.
Pakistan’s squad, featuring several young faces, is led by Salman Ali Agha in a new leadership role. Opener Saim Ayub brings fearless strokeplay at the top, while Mohammad Haris, who recently struck his maiden T20I century, adds flair and quick acceleration. Middle-order hitters Fakhar Zaman, Khushdil Shah, and Azam Khan are capable of switching gears instantly, offering explosive finishing power. All-rounders Faheem Ashraf and Mohammad Nawaz add much-needed versatility to the side, balancing the playing XI.
The spin department is another area of strength. Abrar Ahmed, known for his deceptive googlies and flight, is expected to play a major role on slow, turning wickets. Usama Mir, with his tall frame and bounce, offers a different dimension, while Nawaz’s left-arm spin brings control and economy. However, Pakistan enters this series without the experience of Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, or Haris Rauf. This puts pressure on younger pacers like Mohammad Wasim Jr. and Abbas Afridi, who are still building rhythm at the international level. If Bangladesh’s batters target them early, Pakistan could struggle to apply pressure. Leadership is another evolving area—Salman’s tactical nous will be tested in tight finishes and bowling changes, especially with a largely untested squad around him.
Match Insights and Conclusion
The 1st T20I will be played at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, known for its spin-friendly surface and slow outfield. Batting tends to get more difficult as the game progresses, although dew in the evening might ease chasing. Spinners from both sides are expected to have a big say in the middle overs.
Pakistan holds a dominant record in T20Is against Bangladesh, winning 15 of their previous 17 encounters. However, Bangladesh’s recent resurgence in white-ball formats and the familiarity of home conditions make this series opener far from predictable. Fans can expect a tightly contested match with momentum swinging both ways. If you want to watch Pakistan vs Bangladesh live, scroll above and click on the link provided.
