Cricket is more than just a sport in Pakistan National Cricket Team vs Bangladesh National Cricket Team Timeline—it’s a passion that unites millions. The rivalry between the Pakistan National Cricket Team and the Bangladesh National Cricket Team has grown over the years, filled with thrilling matches, unforgettable moments, and a shared love for the game. This article takes you on a journey through their cricketing history, from their early encounters to recent clashes, written in a way that’s easy to understand for fans of all ages. We’ll also include a detailed table summarizing their key matches to make it simple to follow their timeline.
The Early Days: A One-Sided Start
The cricketing relationship between Pakistan National Cricket Team vs Bangladesh National Cricket Team began in the 1980s, but it wasn’t until Bangladesh gained Test status in 2000 that their rivalry truly took shape. Before Bangladesh became an independent cricketing nation, the region was part of Pakistan (as East Pakistan) until 1971. This historical connection adds a unique layer to their matches, blending competition with a sense of shared heritage.
Their first official meeting was in 1986 during the Asia Cup, where Pakistan faced Bangladesh in a One-Day International (ODI). Pakistan, already an established cricketing power, dominated early encounters. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, matches were mostly one-sided, with Pakistan’s strong bowling attacks, led by players like Imran Khan and Wasim Akram, overpowering Bangladesh’s developing side. But even in those early days, Bangladesh showed flashes of potential, setting the stage for a more competitive rivalry.
Pakistan National Cricket Team vs Bangladesh National Cricket Team Timeline
Below is a detailed table summarizing key matches and series between Pakistan and Bangladesh from their first encounter to 2025. This table includes formats, results, and notable performances to give you a clear picture of their rivalry.
|
Year |
Format |
Series/Tournament |
Venue |
Result |
Notable Performances/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 |
ODI |
Asia Cup |
Sri Lanka |
Pakistan won |
Pakistan’s dominance in early ODIs. |
| 1999 |
ODI |
Cricket World Cup |
England |
Bangladesh won by 62 runs |
Bangladesh’s historic upset over Pakistan. |
| 2000 |
Test |
Bilateral Series |
Multan, Pakistan |
Pakistan won |
Bangladesh’s first Test against Pakistan. |
| 2008 |
ODI/T20I |
Bilateral Series |
Pakistan |
Pakistan won 5-0 (ODI), 1-0 (T20I) |
Pakistan’s strong home performance. |
| 2011 |
ODI/T20I/Test |
Bilateral Series |
Bangladesh |
Pakistan won 3-0 (ODI), 1-0 (T20I), 1-0 (Test) |
Bangladesh showed fight in T20I and ODIs. |
| 2012 |
ODI |
Asia Cup |
Dhaka, Bangladesh |
Pakistan won by 2 runs |
Thrilling final; Bangladesh nearly won. |
| 2015 |
ODI/T20I |
Bilateral Series |
Bangladesh |
Bangladesh won 3-0 (ODI), 1-0 (T20I) |
Bangladesh’s first ODI series win over Pakistan. |
| 2020 |
T20I/Test |
Bilateral Series |
Pakistan |
Pakistan won 2-0 (T20I), 1-0 (Test) |
Pakistan dominated; one T20I washed out. |
| 2024 |
Test |
Bilateral Series (ICC WTC) |
Pakistan |
Bangladesh won 2-0 |
Bangladesh’s first Test series win in Pakistan; Hasan Mahmud’s 5-wicket haul. |
| 2025 |
T20I |
Bilateral Series |
Lahore, Pakistan |
Pakistan won 3-0 |
Mohammad Haris’ unbeaten 107, Haris Rauf’s 5/30 in 1st T20I. |
| 2025 |
ODI |
ICC Champions Trophy |
Rawalpindi, Pakistan |
Match abandoned (rain) |
Both teams ended winless in the tournament. |
Notes:
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ICC WTC: ICC World Test Championship.
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Data sourced from ESPNcricinfo, Cricbuzz, and other reliable cricket websites.
The 1990s: Bangladesh’s Rise
In the 1990s, Bangladesh was still an associate member of the International Cricket Council (ICC), meaning they played mostly against other non-Test nations. However, they occasionally faced Pakistan in tournaments like the Asia Cup or ICC Trophy events. A notable moment came in 1999 during the Cricket World Cup, where Bangladesh pulled off a stunning upset by defeating Pakistan in a group-stage match. This victory was a turning point, showing the world that Bangladesh was ready to compete with the big teams.
For Pakistan, the 1990s were a golden era, with stars like Inzamam-ul-Haq, Saeed Anwar, and Waqar Younis leading the charge. Their matches against Bangladesh were often seen as practice games, but Bangladesh’s 1999 win sent a clear message: they were no longer pushovers.
The 2000s: Bangladesh Steps Up
When Bangladesh was granted Test status in 2000, it marked a new chapter in their cricketing journey. Their first Test match against Pakistan came in 2000 in Multan, where Pakistan won comfortably. Throughout the early 2000s, Pakistan continued to dominate in Tests, ODIs, and the emerging Twenty20 International (T20I) format. However, Bangladesh was improving steadily, with players like Mohammad Ashraful and Shakib Al Hasan emerging as stars.
In 2008, Pakistan hosted Bangladesh for a bilateral series, winning the ODI series 5-0 and the T20I match. But Bangladesh’s resilience was evident, as they pushed Pakistan in several close games. By the late 2000s, Bangladesh was no longer just participating—they were starting to challenge stronger teams, including Pakistan.
The 2010s: A Competitive Rivalry Emerges
The 2010s saw the Pakistan National Cricket Team vs Bangladesh National Cricket Team rivalry become more intense. Bangladesh’s cricket infrastructure improved, and their players gained experience through regular international exposure. In 2011, Pakistan toured Bangladesh for a series that included three ODIs, one T20I, and two Tests. Pakistan won the series convincingly, but Bangladesh showed fight, especially in the T20I and ODIs, where they kept games closer than expected.
A landmark moment came in 2015 when Bangladesh hosted Pakistan and won their first-ever ODI series against them, 3-0. This was a massive achievement for Bangladesh, who also won the lone T20I. The series loss shocked Pakistan, who were led by Azhar Ali at the time. Bangladesh’s batting, led by Tamim Iqbal, and their spin bowling, anchored by Shakib Al Hasan, proved too much for Pakistan. This series marked a shift: Bangladesh was now a serious contender.
In 2012, during the Asia Cup, Bangladesh nearly pulled off another upset. They reached the final and faced Pakistan, losing by just two runs in a thrilling match. This game showed how close the gap had become between the two teams.
The 2020s: Bangladesh’s Breakthroughs
The 2020s have been a defining decade for the Pakistan-Bangladesh rivalry, with Bangladesh achieving historic milestones. In 2020, Pakistan hosted Bangladesh for a series that included three T20Is and two Tests. Pakistan won the T20I series 2-0 (one match was washed out), but Bangladesh showed improvement, especially in their batting.
The real game-changer came in 2024 during Bangladesh’s tour of Pakistan. In a two-match Test series, Bangladesh stunned Pakistan by winning 2-0, their first-ever Test series victory on Pakistani soil. The series was part of the 2023–2025 ICC World Test Championship, and Bangladesh’s pacers, including Hasan Mahmud, took all 10 wickets in Pakistan’s second innings in one of the Tests—a historic first for Bangladesh. This series was a low point for Pakistan, who faced criticism for their outdated strategies, while Bangladesh celebrated their growing prowess.
In 2025, the teams met again in a three-match T20I series in Lahore. Pakistan bounced back, winning the first T20I by 37 runs on May 28, 2025, thanks to a strong all-round performance by Shadab Khan and a five-wicket haul by Haris Rauf. Mohammad Haris also shone, scoring an unbeaten 107 in the third T20I to help Pakistan chase a 197-run target. The series ended with Pakistan winning 3-0, reclaiming some pride after the 2024 Test series loss.
However, the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy brought disappointment for both teams. Their group-stage match in Rawalpindi was abandoned due to rain, with neither team securing a win in the tournament. Both sides faced criticism for inconsistent performances, but the washout was a frustrating end to their campaigns.
Key Players Who Shaped the Rivalry
Over the years, certain players have left their mark on this rivalry. For Pakistan, legends like Wasim Akram, Inzamam-ul-Haq, and more recently, Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi have been standout performers. For Bangladesh, players like Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal, and Mushfiqur Rahim have been instrumental in their rise. Emerging stars like Litton Das and Hasan Mahmud are now carrying the torch for Bangladesh, while Pakistan relies on talents like Mohammad Haris and Haris Rauf.
Memorable Moments
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1999 World Cup Upset: Bangladesh’s shock victory over Pakistan in the group stage was a defining moment, proving they could compete with the best.
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2015 ODI Series Win: Bangladesh’s 3-0 ODI series win over Pakistan at home was a statement of their growing strength.
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2024 Test Series Triumph: Bangladesh’s 2-0 Test series win in Pakistan was a historic milestone, showcasing their progress in the longest format.
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2025 T20I Series: Pakistan’s 3-0 T20I series win in Lahore, highlighted by Mohammad Haris’ century, was a strong response to their earlier Test series loss.
The Future of the Rivalry
As both teams prepare for the 2025 Asia Cup and the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, their rivalry is set to grow even more exciting. Pakistan, with their unpredictable flair, and Bangladesh, with their steady improvement, promise more thrilling contests. The 2025 series in Bangladesh, scheduled for July, will be another chance for both teams to test their skills and strategies.
This rivalry is no longer one-sided. Bangladesh has proven they can beat Pakistan on any given day, while Pakistan’s experience and talent make them a formidable opponent. For fans, it’s a treat to watch these two teams battle it out, bringing passion, skill, and heart to the cricket field.
Why This Rivalry Matters
The Pakistan-Bangladesh cricket rivalry is special because it reflects the growth of both teams. Pakistan, with their rich cricketing history, bring experience and flair. Bangladesh, the underdog that became a giant-killer, bring heart and determination. Together, they create matches that are unpredictable and exciting, whether it’s a nail-biting T20I or a gritty Test match.
For young fans, this rivalry is a great way to learn about cricket’s ups and downs. For older fans, it’s a reminder of how the game evolves, with new heroes emerging every year. Whether you’re cheering for Pakistan’s pace attack or Bangladesh’s spin wizardry, this rivalry has something for everyone.
Conclusion
The Pakistan National Cricket Team vs Bangladesh National Cricket Team Timeline is a story of growth, surprises, and fierce competition. From Pakistan’s early dominance to Bangladesh’s historic victories, their matches have given fans countless memories. As both teams continue to evolve, their rivalry will only get more exciting. Keep an eye on their next clash—it’s sure to be a showstopper!
