The Tigers unleashed a ferocious bowling assault in the first ODI of a three-match series against Pakistan at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur on Sunday, July 20, 2025, dismantling the visitors’ top order with four wickets for just 41 runs in the six-over power play. With spin and pace combining to devastating effect, the hosts set a commanding tone in a high-stakes clash.
A fiery start
Winning the toss, Bangladesh captain Litton Das opted to bowl first, banking on spin to exploit the Mirpur pitch. Sheikh Mahedi Hasan struck early in the opening over, tempting Fakhar Zaman into a risky slog sweep on the fourth ball. The ball soared to short fine leg, where Taskin Ahmed, despite his earlier T20I drop, nearly flubbed another chance but clung on to dismiss Fakhar for 4. The early breakthrough electrified the crowd, signaling Bangladesh’s intent.
Taskin, bowling the second over, started shakily, leaking 9 runs in his first four balls. But the fiery pacer redeemed himself on the fifth, inducing a flick from Saim Ayub (6 off 4) that sailed to Mustafizur Rahman at fine leg for a sharp catch. Pakistan were rattled, two down early.
Relentless pressure
Mahedi continued the onslaught in the third over, as Mohammad Haris (4 off 3) miscued a lofted shot to Shamim Patwary at cow corner, leaving Pakistan at 32/2. The fifth over saw Tanzim Hasan Shakib outfox Pakistan captain Salman Agha (3 off 9), who, after surviving four dot balls, attempted a cheeky scoop only to be caught by wicketkeeper Litton Das. The Tigers’ roar grew louder.
Mustafizur Rahman sealed the power play’s dominance in the sixth over, removing Hasan Nawaz for a duck before he could open his account. Pakistan staggered to 41/4, their batting lineup shaken by Bangladesh’s relentless attack.
Lineups and context
Bangladesh XI: Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanzid Hasan, Litton Das (capt & wk), Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman
Pakistan XI: Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris (wk), Hasan Nawaz, Salman Agha (capt), Mohammad Nawaz, Khushdil Shah, Faheem Ashraf, Abbas Afridi, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed
Fresh off a mixed Sri Lanka tour—where they lost the Test and ODI series but clinched the T20Is—
Bangladesh made one change from their last T20I XI, swapping Shoriful Islam for Taskin Ahmed. Pakistan, a T20I powerhouse that previously defeated Bangladesh at home, now face the Tigers on their turf, where the hosts are leveraging home advantage.