Cricket fans were in for a surprise on July 21, 2025, when Bangladesh pulled off something they’d never done before — beat Pakistan in a T20I series. The second match wasn’t just another game; it was a story of grit, momentum, and a bit of history being made under pressure.
A Nervy Win That Made History
Let’s be clear: this wasn’t a one-sided win. It was a tense, back-and-forth battle that Bangladesh just managed to clinch by eight runs. And in doing so, they took an unassailable 2–0 lead in the series — marking their first-ever T20I series victory over Pakistan.
That’s a big deal. Pakistan has dominated them for years in this format.
Bangladesh Bats First – Not the Best Start
Bangladesh didn’t exactly get off to a dream start. Losing early wickets meant the crowd started holding their breath early. But then came Jaker Ali, who played like a rock in the middle order.
He scored a calm, mature 55 off 48 balls — not flashy, but exactly what his team needed. Alongside him, Mahedi Hasan chipped in with a handy 33 off 25, and together, they added 53 runs when things could’ve gone downhill fast.
Still, Bangladesh only managed 133 runs. At halfway, it felt like Pakistan had the upper hand.
Pakistan’s Collapse: 15 for 5!
Then came one of the most shocking starts to a chase in recent memory.
Pakistan’s top order just fell apart. Within the first five overs, they were 15 for 5. It looked like they were chasing 200, not 134. Bangladesh bowlers — especially Shoriful Islam, who picked up three wickets for just 17 runs — were spot on.
Even though the surface wasn’t easy, Pakistan’s batters couldn’t handle the pressure.
A Late Fightback Led by Faheem
Enter Faheem Ashraf.
Coming in at number 8, he played like someone batting in the top order. He smashed 51 off 32 balls, including four fours and four sixes. It was his first T20I fifty, and it came when Pakistan needed it most.
He found a partner in debutant Ahmed Daniyal, who not only bowled well earlier but now added 17 off 11 in a late charge that brought Pakistan back into the game.
At one point, it felt like they might pull off a miracle.
Bangladesh Holds Their Nerve
But credit where it’s due — Bangladesh didn’t panic. Even as the runs started flowing, they stayed calm. Mustafizur Rahman, Mahedi Hasan, and Tanzim Sakib tightened things up at the death.
Eventually, Pakistan were bowled out for 125 in 19.2 overs, falling short by just eight runs.
It wasn’t a perfect performance from Bangladesh — but it was brave, smart, and good enough.
Ahmed Daniyal’s Debut: Raw Pace & Promise
One of the bright spots for Pakistan was Ahmed Daniyal. The 26-year-old fast bowler made his international debut and immediately caught attention by hitting speeds of 146 km/h in his first over.
He ended with two wickets, contributed with the bat, and gave fans a glimmer of excitement — some even calling him “the new Shoaib Akhtar.” That’s a big name to live up to, but his start was definitely encouraging.
Records & Key Stats
- First-ever T20I series win for Bangladesh against Pakistan
- Jaker Ali’s 55 – his first T20I fifty
- Faheem Ashraf’s 51 – his first T20I fifty as well
- Pakistan’s top-order collapse: 5 wickets down for just 15 runs
- Shoriful Islam: 3 wickets for 17 runs — match-winning spells
What This Means Going Forward
For Bangladesh, this win is more than just a stat. It’s confidence, progress, and proof that they’re not just underdogs anymore.
For Pakistan, this series has raised serious questions — about batting depth, team strategy, and overall focus. The third T20I may technically be a dead rubber, but for Pakistan, it’s a chance to salvage pride.
Summary at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match Date | July 22, 2025 |
| Venue | Sher‑e‑Bangla Stadium, Dhaka |
| Bangladesh Score | 133/10 (20 overs) |
| Pakistan Score | 125/10 (19.2 overs) |
| Result | Bangladesh won by 8 runs |
| Player of the Match | Jaker Ali (Bangladesh) |
Final Word
Bangladesh showed that belief, even more than skill, can turn the tide in cricket. They weren’t perfect, but they were smart — and that made all the difference.
As for Pakistan? A hard look in the mirror is due. One thing’s clear: cricket’s balance of power is shifting — and teams like Bangladesh are making sure the old scripts no longer apply.
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