Cricket between Pakistan and Bangladesh used to be a somewhat predictable affair, usually ending with Pakistan’s pace battery overwhelming the Tigers. But the PAK vs Bangladesh series 2025 completely flipped that script. Honestly, if you were watching in July, you saw something historical: Bangladesh clinching their first-ever T20I series win over Pakistan.
It wasn't just a win. It was a statement.
The year 2025 was packed with these two facing off. We had the May series in Lahore, the Champions Trophy drama in February, and the July rematch in Dhaka. If you’re trying to keep track of who won what and why the rosters looked so weird, you aren't alone. Between senior players like Babar Azam being "rested" (a polite way of saying the selectors wanted fresh blood) and injuries to stars like Mustafizur Rahman, it was a chaotic year for Asian cricket fans.
The July Shocker: Bangladesh Makes History
Everyone expected Pakistan to dominate the return leg in July 2025. After all, they had just swept the Tigers 3-0 in Lahore back in May. But Dhaka is a different beast. The Mirpur pitches were slow, turning, and absolutely lethal for a Pakistan side that looked like it forgot how to play spin.
Bangladesh won that series 2-1.
The first match set the tone. Pakistan crumbled for just 110 runs. Mustafizur Rahman, often called "The Fizz," put on a clinic, finishing with figures of 2/6 in his four overs. That's a 1.5 economy rate. In a T20! It was the first time Bangladesh had ever bowled out Pakistan in a T20I. Parvez Hossain Emon guided the chase with an unbeaten 56, and suddenly, the "easy win" narrative for Pakistan evaporated.
Quick Stats from the July Series:
- Winner: Bangladesh (2-1)
- Player of the Series: Jaker Ali
- Most Wickets: Salman Mirza (7) — a massive find for Pakistan despite the loss.
- Most Runs: Jaker Ali (71)
Pakistan managed to save face in the final game thanks to a Sahibzada Farhan masterclass (63 off 41), but the damage was done. Bangladesh had finally broken the hoodoo.
What Happened in the May Series?
Flashback to May 2025. Pakistan was riding high. This series was originally supposed to have ODIs, but both boards swapped them for T20Is to prep for the 2026 World Cup. It was also the debut of Mike Hesson as Pakistan’s white-ball coach.
The Men in Green were ruthless in Lahore. They won 3-0.
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Mohammad Haris was the star here, smashing a maiden T20I century (107* off 46 balls) in the third game. It felt like the "New Pakistan" was arriving. Salman Ali Agha was leading the side, and for a moment, it looked like the decision to move on from senior players was a stroke of genius. Hasan Ali even grabbed a five-wicket haul in the opener, proving he still had gas in the tank.
But this is the thing about the PAK vs Bangladesh series 2025—momentum didn't travel. What worked in the heat of Lahore failed miserably in the humidity of Dhaka two months later.
The Champions Trophy "Ghost" Match
We can't talk about 2025 without mentioning the ICC Champions Trophy in February. Pakistan was the host, but as we know, politics and weather often have the final say.
The Group A match between Pakistan and Bangladesh in Rawalpindi was supposed to be a massive homecoming. Instead, it was abandoned without a toss due to relentless rain. Both teams ended up with just 1 point each.
It was a disaster for both sides. Because they both lost their other group games to India and New Zealand, that "No Result" effectively knocked them both out of the tournament. It was a hollow end to a high-stakes event. Fans in Rawalpindi were left holding umbrellas and tickets for a game that never happened.
Why the Squads Looked Different
If you tuned in and wondered, "Where's Babar? Where's Rizwan?"—you weren't seeing things. Pakistan’s selectors went on a massive experimentation spree.
- The Senior Omission: Pakistan deliberately left out Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi for the May and July series. They wanted to see if the PSL stars could cut it.
- The Rise of Salman Mirza: While Pakistan lost the July series, Salman Mirza emerged as a genuine threat, taking wickets when nobody else could.
- Bangladesh’s Leadership Shift: Litton Das took over as the full-time T20 captain after Najmul Hossain Shanto stepped down. It seemed to spark a more aggressive "nothing to lose" attitude in the squad.
The "Security" Drama of Early 2026
Fast forward to right now, January 2026, and the fallout from these series is still being felt. Bangladesh is currently hesitant about traveling to India for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Interestingly, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has actually offered to host Bangladesh's World Cup matches in Pakistan if they refuse to go to India.
It’s a weird full-circle moment. The camaraderie built during the 2025 bilateral tours has created a sort of "Asian alliance" against the logistical hurdles of playing in the subcontinent.
Key Takeaways for Fans
The PAK vs Bangladesh series 2025 wasn't just another set of matches on the calendar. It was the year Bangladesh stopped being the "little brother" in T20s.
If you're following the rankings, watch the "New Pakistan" carefully. They have the talent—Mohammad Haris and Sahibzada Farhan are explosive—but they lack the consistency that the older guard provided. Meanwhile, Bangladesh has found a core of young bowlers like Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Rishad Hossain who don't blink under pressure.
Actionable Next Steps:
Keep an eye on the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup schedule. If Bangladesh successfully lobbies to play their matches in a neutral venue or Pakistan, the group dynamics will shift entirely. Also, watch the domestic circuits; Pakistan is likely to recall at least one "senior" pacer before the next major tournament to stabilize the young bowling unit that struggled in Dhaka.