The cricket rivalry between Pakistan vs Bangladesh represents one of the most evolving relationships in international cricket. From Bangladesh’s emergence as a Test-playing nation in 2000 to their recent historic victories, this comprehensive overview details every aspect of their cricketing encounters across all formats.
Historical Overview Pakistan vs Bangladesh
Bangladesh’s Entry into International Cricket
Bangladesh became the 10th Test-playing nation in 2000, playing their first test match in November 2000 against India with a 9 wicket loss in Dhaka. However, their journey against Pakistan began earlier through ODI encounters and has evolved significantly over the decades.
The cricket relationship between these two nations reflects Bangladesh’s growth from underdogs to a competitive force capable of defeating established teams. Their encounters with Pakistan have been particularly significant in charting this transformation.
Test Match Records: Pakistan’s Traditional Dominance
Overall Test Statistics
Pakistan vs Bangladesh have faced each other in 15 matches in Test cricket. Out of these 15 games, Pakistan have won 12 whereas Bangladesh have come out victorious on 2 occasions, with 1 match ending in a draw.
This record showcases Pakistan’s traditional strength in the longest format, though Bangladesh’s recent victories signal a changing dynamic in Test cricket between the two nations.
Historic First Test Victory for Bangladesh
One of the most significant moments in Pakistan-Bangladesh cricket history occurred when Bangladesh beat Pakistan for the first time in Test cricket by completing a 10-wicket win in Rawalpindi. This victory marked a watershed moment for Bangladesh cricket and demonstrated their growing competitiveness in Test matches.
Recent Test Series Developments
The 2024 series between the teams showed the competitive nature of modern Pakistan-Bangladesh Test cricket. In their recent encounter, World Test Championship Points were awarded with Bangladesh earning 9 points and Pakistan receiving -6 points. The match featured notable performances including Khurram Shahzad (Pakistan) taking his first five-wicket haul in Tests, and Hasan Mahmud (Bangladesh) also achieving his first five-wicket haul in Tests.
One Day International (ODI) Records
Comprehensive ODI Statistics
Pakistan vs Bangladesh have faced each other in 39 matches in ODI cricket. Out of these 39 games, Pakistan have won 34 whereas Bangladesh have come out victorious on 5 occasions.
This record demonstrates Pakistan’s overwhelming dominance in the 50-over format, though Bangladesh has managed some memorable victories that have kept the rivalry interesting.
Bangladesh’s First ODI Victory
Bangladesh’s first of five wins came at the World Cup 1999 in England, where they famously beat the mighty Pakistan side of the 1990s in the group stage. This victory was particularly significant as it came against one of cricket’s strongest teams during their peak period.
Recent ODI Encounters
The last ODI encounter between the teams came at the World Cup 2023 in India, continuing their regular meetings in major ICC tournaments and bilateral series.
Twenty20 International (T20I) Records
T20I Head-to-Head Statistics
The teams have played 17 T20Is against each other with Pakistan winning 15 and Bangladesh getting the win in the remaining two. This record shows Pakistan’s continued dominance even in the shortest format of international cricket.
ICC T20 World Cup Record
Pakistan hold a perfect record against Bangladesh in the ICC T20 World Cup, winning all five encounters. Their victories span from the inaugural 2007 edition to their latest triumph in Adelaide (2022). This perfect record in World Cup encounters highlights Pakistan’s superior performance in high-pressure tournament situations.
Recent Match Results (2025)
Current T20I Series
The most recent encounters between Pakistan and Bangladesh have taken place in May 2025, with Pakistan hosting Bangladesh for a T20I series.
First T20I (May 28, 2025)
Shadab Khan put in a strong all-round show as Bangladesh fell for 164 in pursuit of 202 in the first T20I in Lahore. Pakistan won this opening match by 37 runs, continuing their strong record in T20I cricket.
Second T20I (May 30, 2025)
Pakistan beat Bangladesh by 57 runs in the second T20I at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, further extending their series lead and maintaining their dominance in the shortest format.
Champions Trophy 2025 Encounter
Pakistan vs Bangladesh match in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was abandoned, with both teams closing their Champions Trophy campaigns. This abandoned match in Rawalpindi prevented what could have been another significant encounter between the two teams.
Memorable Matches and Performances
World Cup Encounters
The World Cup meetings between Pakistan and Bangladesh have often produced dramatic results. Beyond the famous 1999 upset, their encounters in various World Cups have contributed significantly to the overall rivalry narrative.
The consistency of their meetings in ICC tournaments demonstrates both teams’ regular qualification for major events and the importance of their head-to-head record in tournament contexts.
Bilateral Series Highlights
Recent bilateral series have shown increased competitiveness, with Bangladesh becoming more capable of challenging Pakistan across all formats. The 2024 Test series victory for Bangladesh represents the culmination of years of steady improvement in their cricket infrastructure and player development.
Statistical Analysis by Format
Test Cricket Trends
Pakistan’s 12-2-1 record in Tests reflects their traditional strength in the longest format. However, Bangladesh’s two victories, including their historic first win, suggest they are becoming increasingly competitive in Test cricket.
The recent performances indicate that future Test series between these teams may be more evenly contested than historical records suggest.
ODI Performance Patterns
The 34-5 ODI record in Pakistan’s favor shows their consistent superiority in 50-over cricket. Bangladesh’s five victories, spread across different time periods, demonstrate their ability to occasionally upset stronger opponents.
The fact that Bangladesh’s first victory came in a World Cup match highlights their tendency to perform better in high-stakes encounters.
T20I Developments
Pakistan’s 15-2 T20I record indicates their adaptation to the shortest format has been more successful than Bangladesh’s. However, the format’s unpredictable nature means this gap could narrow more quickly than in other formats.
Key Players and Performances
Pakistani Standouts
Recent series have featured strong performances from Pakistani all-rounders like Shadab Khan, who have been instrumental in maintaining Pakistan’s dominance across formats.
Bangladesh’s Rising Stars
The emergence of players capable of taking five-wicket hauls in Tests, such as Hasan Mahmud, indicates Bangladesh’s improving depth and quality in their bowling attack.
Impact on Rankings and Championships
World Test Championship Implications
Recent Test encounters have had significant implications for World Test Championship standings, with Bangladesh earning positive points while Pakistan has faced point deductions in some matches.
ICC Tournament Performances
The teams’ regular meetings in ICC tournaments have influenced their respective tournament histories and progression patterns in major competitions.
Future Outlook
Evolving Competitive Balance
While Pakistan maintains overall dominance, Bangladesh’s improving performances suggest future encounters may be more closely contested across all formats.
Bilateral Series Importance
Regular bilateral series between the teams provide opportunities for Bangladesh to build on their recent successes while allowing Pakistan to maintain their historical advantages.
Venue Analysis
Home Advantage Patterns
Matches played in Pakistan have generally favored the home team, though Bangladesh’s ability to compete effectively away from home has improved significantly in recent years.
Neutral Venue Performances
ICC tournament encounters on neutral venues have produced some of the most memorable results in this rivalry, including Bangladesh’s breakthrough World Cup victory.
Recent Infrastructure and Development
Pakistan’s Home Hosting
Pakistan’s return to hosting international cricket has provided more opportunities for bilateral series, contributing to the regularity of encounters between these teams.
Bangladesh’s Cricket Growth
Bangladesh’s investment in cricket infrastructure and player development programs has directly contributed to their improved competitiveness against traditional powerhouses like Pakistan.
Conclusion
The Pakistan vs Bangladesh cricket rivalry represents one of the most interesting evolution stories in international cricket. From Pakistan’s overwhelming early dominance to Bangladesh’s recent breakthrough victories, their encounters reflect broader changes in world cricket.
While Pakistan maintains significant statistical advantages across all formats, Bangladesh’s growing competitiveness ensures that future encounters will be closely watched by cricket fans. The recent Test victory for Bangladesh and their improving performances in limited-overs cricket suggest that the historical dominance patterns may continue to evolve.
The regularity of their encounters in both bilateral series and ICC tournaments ensures that this rivalry will continue to develop, potentially becoming one of the more competitive matchups in South Asian cricket.
Match Records Summary
Test Matches: Pakistan 12 wins, Bangladesh 2 wins, 1 draw (15 matches total) ODI Matches: Pakistan 34 wins, Bangladesh 5 wins (39 matches total)
T20I Matches: Pakistan 15 wins, Bangladesh 2 wins (17 matches total)
Overall Record: Pakistan 61 wins, Bangladesh 9 wins, 1 draw (Total: 71 matches)
