In the third and final T20I at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, Pakistan completed the clean sweep against Bangladesh by comfortably chasing down the target of 197 in just 17.2 overs. Bangladesh chose to bat first and set a very competitive total of 196/6 from their 20 overs, but Pakistan chased that down with ridiculous ease, with Mohammad Haris scoring a stunning century.

Bangladesh Innings

Bangladesh started off strongly at the opening of the innings, with Parvez Hossain Emon opening the batting for Bangladesh, smashing a quickfire 66 from just 34 balls, with Tanzid Hasan adding a steady 42 from 32. Towhid Hridoy added a useful 25 (18) to help Bangladesh to a strong total. Abbas Afridi finished with the best figures for Pakistan, with 2/26, and Hasan Ali was also respectable with 2/38, and Shadab Khan chipped in with 1/26 in 3 overs.

Pakistan Innings

Pakistan's innings was in the reverse order, with Haris anchoring the chase superbly with an unbeaten 107 from 46 balls, with Saim Ayub (45 from 29) and Hassan Nawaz (26 from 13) all contributing, and Pakistan comfortably chased the total down with 16 balls to spare. Even though Bangladesh tried to fight back with Mehidy Hasan Miraz (2/26) and Tanzim Hasan Sakib (1/36), no one had any answers to the aggressive batting.

This emphatic victory by 7 wickets secured Pakistan a series final score of 3-0. Mohammad Haris's scintillating century was the star of the game and the series. Haris's aggressive stance smashed the Bangladesh bowling attack and confirmed his emerging brand of T20 for Pakistan. 

Pakistan's newfound victory not only secured the series but also exhibited the depth and firepower of their youth in preparation for future T20s.

Also Read: Joe Root: England’s Greatest Batter of All Time

PAK vs BAN, 3rd T20I: Match Scorecard

Bangladesh – 196/6 (20 Overs)

Pakistan – 197/3 (17.2 Overs)

In the 2nd T20I at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, Pakistan won by 57 runs. Having won the toss, Pakistan batted first and put up a good total of 201/6 in their 20 overs, before bowling Bangladesh out for 144 in 19 overs, winning the match comfortably while taking an unassailable 2–0 lead in the series.

Pakistan Innings

Pakistan's top order did a good job to get Pakistan off to a good start in the opening phases of the innings. Sahibzada Farhan was the top scorer, with a swift 74 off 41 balls, backed up pretty well by Hassan Nawaz with an unbeaten 51 off 26 balls. And Mohammad Haris provided a quick-fire 41 runs from 25 balls to provide the momentum needed for Pakistan to get to a total of over 200.  With respect to bowling, Bangladesh's best bowlers included Tanzim Hasan Sakib (2/36 in 4 overs) and Hasan Mahmud (2/47 in 4 overs), who both fared reasonably but were unable to truly contain the barrage from Pakistan's batting. Rishad Hossain took a wicket but was expensive, with bowling figures of 1/50 in 4 overs.

Bangladesh Innings

Bangladesh was never able to really settle in their innings in chasing exactly 202, with only Tanzim Hasan Sakib able to cross fifty with a modest 50 off 31 balls, while Tanzid Hasan (33 off 19) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (23 off 17) made an attempt to stabilize the innings. However, Pakistan’s bowling attack remained dominant throughout. Abrar Ahmed was the standout with 3/19 in 4 overs, well supported by Faheem Ashraf (1/8 in 2 overs) and Shadab Khan (1/13 in 2 overs). Their combined effort restricted Bangladesh to 144 in 19 overs, falling 57 runs short.

This convincing win handed Pakistan a 2-0 series lead, with one game left to play.

Also Read: Armed Forces chiefs to miss IPL 2025 final honoring Operation Sindoor

PAK vs BAN, 2nd T20I: Match Scorecard

Pakistan—201/6 (20 Overs)

Bangladesh—144/10 (19 Overs)

 Pakistan won by 37 runs in the 1st T20I at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. After winning the toss, Pakistan batted and made a total of 201/7 in their 20 overs; Bangladesh made only 164/10 in 19.2 overs, giving Pakistan an easy victory by 37 runs (with 4 balls to spare).

Pakistan Innings

Pakistan set a solid score of 201/7 in their 20 overs. Salman Ali Agha led the attack with a vibrant 56 from 34 balls, and Shadab Khan scored 48 runs from just 25 balls; both provided impetus to get Pakistan off to a good start. Hassan Nawaz also showed good intent, scoring 44 from 22 balls, and thus contributed significantly towards the task at hand. Among the Bangladeshi bowlers, Shoriful Islam was the best with 2-32 from 3 overs, while Tanzim Hasan Sakib also played his part with 1-22 from 2 overs, and Hasan Mahmud's 1-24 from 3 overs added to the mix. Unfortunately, the trio did not do enough to cull a big total.

Bangladesh Innings

With the goal of seeking out the target of 202, Bangladesh scored a total of 164 before being bowled out in 19.2 overs and finishing 37 runs short. Litton Das was the star for Bangladesh, scoring 48 from 30 balls, and showed signs of resistance. Jaker Ali (36 off 20) and Tanzid Hasan (31 off 17) pushed hard to keep the target in sight; however, there was too much for them to chase. Hasan Ali was the pick of the Pakistan bowlers, with a magical 5 for 30 from 3.2 overs. Shadab Khan continued to showcase his all-round credentials, taking 2 for 26 from 4 overs, and Khushdil Shah recorded 1 for 6 from 1 over. Pakistan completed a disciplined bowling effort to win the match with 4 balls to spare to lead the series 1-0.

Also Read: RCB creates another record in IPL 2025 with unprecedented batting feat

PAK vs BAN, 1st T20I: Match Scorecard

Pakistan—201/7 (20 Overs)

Bangladesh—164/10 (19.2 Overs)

The much-anticipated Bangladesh tour of Pakistan 2025 kicks off with the 1st T20I on May 28 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, starting at 8:30 PM IST (3:00 PM GMT). As both teams gear up for the upcoming T20 World Cup, this series serves as a crucial platform for players to solidify their roles and build momentum.

Live Streaming & Broadcast Details

The Pakistan tour of Bangladesh 2025 will kick off with a charged T20I battle on May 28 at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium. To be played at 8:30 PM IST (3:00 PM GMT), the encounter is the opening match for both teams as they eye the upcoming T20 World Cup later in the year.

Both sides will be eager to try out their combinations, offer playing chances to fresh faces, and gain initial momentum on the world stage. With a mix of veteran campaigners and young hopefuls, there can be an expectation of a thrilling and combative contest.

Likely Pakistan Playing XI:

• Saim Ayub
• Fakhar Zaman
• Sahibzada Farhan (WK)
• Salman Agha (Captain)
• Hussain Talat
• Shadab Khan
• Faheem Ashraf
• Mohammad Wasim Jr
• Haris Rauf
• Naseem Shah
• Abrar Ahmed

Also read: BAN vs PAK 1st T20I: Bangladesh’s Probable Playing XI

Pakistan comes into this series with a strong and well-balanced squad. With opener batsmen Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub as power-hitters and a potent pace bowling attack led by Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah, the team appears poised to produce good performances. Middle overs are covered by all-rounder players Shadab Khan and Faheem Ashraf, so the team is well placed for the T20 format.

Potential Bangladesh Playing XI:

• Litton Das (Captain & WK)
• Tanzid Hasan
• Najmul Hossain Shanto
• Towhid Hridoy
• Soumya Sarkar
• Shamim Hossain
• Mahedi Hasan
• Shoriful Islam
• Hasan Mahmud
• Rishad Hossain
• Tanvir Islam 

Also read: PAK vs BAN 1st T20I: Pakistan’s Probable Playing XI

Filling out a young team that is brimming with explosive batters and versatile bowlers under the tutelage of the well-established Litton Das, Bangladesh is two-pronged. Players like Towhid Hridoy and Shanto are expected to shape and anchor innings—especially since deep down the order there will be all-rounders such as Mahedi Hasan to fall back on. Their bowling corps may be young, but they have the potential to test the limits of the big hitters dominated by Pakistan. 

With both sides having their eyes set on the World Cup, this match will be more than just a bilateral clash—it’s a trial ground for future stars and a chance to find winning combinations. Expect fireworks in Lahore as two exciting T20 outfits face off in what promises to be a thrilling start to the series.

In a ground-breaking development, both Namibia and South Africa are gearing up to face each other for the first time in international cricket. Namibia will be hosting South Africa for a one-off T20I series in their newly-renovated Wanderers stadium in Windhoek on October 11. Despite being geographically close to each other, both nations have never met each other in any bilateral or tournament-level fixture. 

See also: IPL 2025: LSG vs RCB Match 70- Who will be Impact Players for today's match?

Historic moment for Cricket Namibia and its supporters

The one-off T20I will mark the beginning of a new chapter for cricket in southern Africa. This development is bound to redefine the cricketing ties between Cricket Namibia and Cricket South Africa. Cricket Namibia will be the obvious beneficiary as they look to draw inspiration from this association and try to bolster their cricketing standards around the country. 

The attention now shifts to Cricket Namibia's first official stadium, which has recently been renovated to comply with international standards. This newly renovated stadium (previously known as Wanderers) will play host to the upcoming historic T20I fixture between Namibia and South Africa. In addition, the ground will also stage matches from the 2026 Under-19 Men's World Cup and the 2027 Men's ODI World Cup.

It is worth noting that Namibia is a co-host of the Under-19 World Cup alongside Zimbabwe, as well as the ODI World Cup in collaboration with Zimbabwe and South Africa. The ground previously served as Namibia's high-performance centre, but the ongoing construction from 2021 has upgraded its capacity to hold 7000 spectators. 

Joy for all the stakeholders involved

Johann Muller, Cricket Namibia CEO, expresses his delight whilst announcing the launch of his new facility. Muller stresses that it had been a desire for the local Namibian population to see this dream turn into a reality. What further adds to his excitement is being able to host a world-class cricket team like South Africa in their newly revamped facility. 

"This truly is a memorable occasion. The new ground has been a dream for the last four years and has finally materialised. A match against our neighbours, and one of the top cricketing countries in the world, is the perfect way to open this world-class facility."

Quite understandably, his sentiments were echoed by his South African counterpart, Pholesti Moseki, who happens to be the CEO of Cricket South Africa. Moseki is thrilled to be a part of this historic experience. He further adds that Namibia are a seasoned side and hopes to see them perform well. 

"We are honoured to be part of this historic occasion. Namibia are a competitive side, and this fixture reflects the growing strength of cricket on the continent. As a fellow African cricketing nation and the host of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027, we are proud to support the official opening of this new cricket ground, which will be one of the host venues of the tournament."

The upcoming ODI World Cup 2027 will jointly be hosted by South Africa and Namibia. The strong cooperation between the two African cricketing boards is clearly evident, and with a new facility in place, Namibia's growing influence in world cricket is only going to surge in the years to come. 

Left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal reclaimed the top spot in the ICC Women's T20I bowling rankings this week, solidifying her place among the best players in the game's shortest format, and Pakistan celebrated a momentous occasion in women's cricket.

The ICC released its latest rankings on Tuesday, and Iqbal’s rise to the summit was made possible after England’s ace spinner Sophie Ecclestone missed her team’s recent T20I series against the West Indies. As a result, Ecclestone dropped to fourth in the rankings, paving the way for Iqbal to move one place up and return to the position she briefly held during last year’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. Iqbal had a significant role in Pakistan’s World Cup campaign, with her precise, economical bowling troubling some of the world’s best batters. Her consistency and match-winning spells have now earned her the top spot again a moment of immense pride for Pakistan’s cricketing fraternity.

While Pakistan celebrated Iqbal’s achievement, several other players also made waves in the latest rankings. England pacer Lauren Bell surged 13 spots to reach sixth overall, following an impressive seven-wicket haul against the West Indies. Fellow England bowlers Linsey Smith (up 37 places to 41st) and Issy Wong (up 32 to joint-62nd) also enjoyed significant jumps thanks to their performances in the same series.

ALSO SEE: WATCH: Viral moment when Shashank Singh predicted PBKS will end up in top 2 before start of IPL 2025

Matthews dazzles with the bat as Sadia Iqbal puts Pakistan on top in T20I bowling charts

In the batting department, West Indies captain Hayley Matthews continued her stunning run of form. After scoring 177 runs at an average of 88.50 in three matches in England, Matthews moved up two spots to become the second-ranked T20I batter, now just behind Australia’s Beth Mooney. Australia’s Tahlia McGrath dropped to third as Matthews closes in on the top.

Matthews was also named Player of the Series and further extended her lead at the top of the T20I all-rounder rankings, thanks to her all-around efforts that included picking up three wickets during the series. Among the England batters, Nat Sciver-Brunt climbed five places to ninth, Heather Knight moved up seven to joint-17th, and Sophia Dunkley improved by eight spots to joint-29th, all courtesy of solid contributions against the West Indies.

But Sadia Iqbal, a bowler whose composed manner and steady left-arm spin have contributed significantly to the team's success, deserves the headline for Pakistan. Her ascent back to the top of the rankings not only advances her own career but also highlights Pakistan's expanding influence in the world of women's cricket.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has formally issued a changed schedule for the forthcoming three-match T20I series between Pakistan and Bangladesh. The whole series will be staged at Lahore's legendary Gaddafi Stadium between 28 May and 1 June 2025, with every match set to start at 8:00 PM local time, providing fans with prime-time cricket action under the lights.

The Bangladesh side will reach Lahore on 25 May and will have training sessions on 26 and 27 May as a part of their pre-series preparations. This series is especially important for Pakistan since it will be the first international assignment for newly appointed head coach Mike Hesson. The New Zealander will assume responsibility after the conclusion of the HBL PSL X, which concludes on 25 May. The Pakistan team selection is a testament to a keen emphasis on home performers since several players have been given call-ups as a result of their performances in the just-concluded PSL.

Revised Match Schedule:

• 1st T20I – Wednesday, 28 May – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
• 2nd T20I – Friday, 30 May – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
• 3rd T20I – Sunday, 1 June – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

ALSO SEE: Ben Stokes opens up on Virat Kohli's retirement ahead of England vs India Test series

squads

Pakistan T20I Team

Salman Ali Agha (Captain), Shadab Khan (Vice-Captain), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (Wicket-keeper), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (Wicket-keeper), Saim Ayub

Bangladesh T20I Team

Litton Das (Captain), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain, Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali, Rishad Hossain, Mahedi Hasan (Vice-Captain), Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana, Shoriful Islam

With Pakistan possessing a new coaching set-up and a well-balanced Bangladesh side set to do battle, the series holds out the promise of three action-packed nights of T20 cricket at one of the nation's most recognized grounds.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is expected to follow its policy of infusing new blood in the national team, with media reports suggesting that Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi are not expected to be a part of the T20I team for the home series against Bangladesh. According to Geo News, the experienced trio is expected to be “rested” once again for the five-match series, beginning May 27. This move aligns with the PCB’s broader long-term vision, aimed at building depth and grooming emerging players ahead of major tournaments like the T20 Asia Cup and the ICC T20 World Cup in 2026.

Although there had previously been whispers that Pakistan team director Mike Hesson was willing to bring back Babar, Rizwan, and Shaheen, recent signs are that the selectors are keen to try new combinations. The 2025 season of the PSL has already produced several potential names, including batters Mohammad Naeem, Yasir Khan, Maaz Sadaqat, and Abdul Samad, and bowlers Ubaid Shah and Ali Raza, all of whom are thought to be in with a chance for the squad.

ALSO SEE: England announces playing XI for one-off four-day Test against Zimbabwe

Selectors Choose Aggressive, Contemporary Cricket Approach for Bangladesh Series

Babar and Rizwan have not featured in a T20I since December 2024 and seem to be on the periphery of an overhauled T20 plan, one that emphasizes explosive beginnings and aggressive strokeplay from the word go. Their exclusion highlights the selectors' emphasis on a contemporary, high-velocity form of cricket. Shaheen, in the meantime, is being handled with caution owing to workload issues. Following an arduous season in all formats, with a starring turn in Pakistan's recent series against New Zealand, the left-arm pacer is probably being saved for more high-pressure games later in the year.

Reports indicate that Babar, Rizwan, and Shaheen could be among several senior players given a break, as the management tries to reshape the core for the future. The coming Bangladesh series, to be played in Faisalabad and Lahore, offers a golden chance for new players to make a claim and for the team to experiment with new tactical approaches. Although the final team is yet to be announced, it's evident that Pakistan cricket is about to embark on a transition phase one that would reshape the national T20 framework for years to come.

The Pakistan-Bangladesh T20I series has undergone a significant makeover, shortened, rescheduled, and relocated. Once envisioned as a five-match affair across Faisalabad and Lahore, the bilateral series will now feature just three T20Is, all to be played exclusively in Lahore. The shift comes after weeks of uncertainty surrounding the tour, with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) slow to commit due to rising regional tensions and scheduling headaches. However, a breakthrough came during a high-stakes meeting in Dubai between PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and BCB’s top brass, where the two boards hammered out a compromise to ensure the tour goes ahead, albeit in a scaled-down format.

Initially slated to host the opening match, Faisalabad has once again been cut out of the equation. The city, which has long waited for the return of top-tier international cricket, finds itself overlooked due to logistical reshuffling and operational streamlining. With time tight and security arrangements needing consolidation, Lahore became the practical choice. This marks yet another occasion where Faisalabad’s hopes were dashed at the last minute, disappointment that’s quickly becoming a pattern for cricket fans in the region.

ALSO SEE: IPL 2025: Jonny Bairstow expresses his happiness over joining Mumbai Indians

Pakistan vs Bangladesh T20I Series Moved to Lahore, Cut to Three Matches

The tour was originally scheduled to begin on May 25 with a five-match T20I series. Bangladesh was to arrive in two groups starting May 21. But rising political friction between India and Pakistan, which had already disrupted the PSL mid-season, created a ripple effect that complicated the international calendar. Adding to the complexity was the overlap with Eid-ul-Adha, with several Bangladeshi players expressing reservations about travel and preparations during the festive period. The PCB eventually offered alternative dates and proposed a single-venue model to keep the tour afloat.

With both boards in agreement, the revised tour will now feature three-night matches at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium between May 27 and June 5. Official match dates and times will be confirmed shortly. Litton Das will lead Bangladesh in the series, with Mahedi Hasan stepping in as his deputy. The series forms part of both teams' buildup to the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, and the decision to drop the ODI leg of the FTP tour was made to allow for more focused T20I preparations.

Despite being scaled down, the agreement is being seen as a win for cricket diplomacy and continuity. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi thanked his Bangladeshi counterparts for their cooperation and commitment to ensuring Pakistan remains a regular international host. For Lahore, the series brings another international spectacle to the Gaddafi Stadium. For Faisalabad, it’s another lesson in patience waiting, once again, for its turn in the cricketing spotlight.