Get the complete preview of the Pakistan vs Bangladesh 1st T20I on May 28, 2025, at Gaddafi Stadium. Check squads, pitch report, playing XI, head-to-head stats, key players, and match predictions.
Cricket fever returns to the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore as Pakistan gears up to host Bangladesh in the first match of the three-match T20I series. Set for May 28, 2025, this highly anticipated game marks the beginning of Bangladesh’s tour of Pakistan and promises a display of explosive talent, competitive spirit, and thrilling moments on the field.
Table of Contents
Match Overview
- Match: 1st T20 International – Pakistan vs Bangladesh
- Date: May 28, 2025
- Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
- Start Time: 8:00 PM Pakistan Standard Time (PST)
- Series: Bangladesh Tour of Pakistan – 3 T20Is
- Pakistan Squad Analysis
Pakistan’s selectors have chosen a dynamic squad that mixes experience with new-age flair. The team is led by Salman Ali Agha, a reliable allrounder who has been in fine form domestically and brings calm leadership to the side.
Complete Pakistan Squad:Pakistan vs Bangladesh
- Salman Agha (Captain) – Allrounder
- Abrar Ahmed – Leg-spin bowler
- Faheem Ashraf – Bowling allrounder
- Fakhar Zaman – Explosive opening batter
- Haris Rauf – Fast bowler
- Hasan Ali – Experienced pacer
- Hasan Nawaz – Top-order batter
- Hussain Talat – Middle-order allrounder
- Irfan Khan – Middle-order batter
- Khushdil Shah – Aggressive batting allrounder
- Mohammad Haris – Wicketkeeper batter
- Mohammad Wasim Jr. – Fast bowler (replaced by Abbas Afridi due to injury)
- Naseem Shah – Express pacer
- Sahibzada Farhan – Wicketkeeper batter
- Saim Ayub – Stylish top-order batter
- Shadab Khan – Vice-captain & allrounder
Key Players to Watch – Pakistan:Pakistan vs Bangladesh
- Fakhar Zaman: Known for his attacking approach, Fakhar can dominate powerplays and shift momentum quickly. His form will be crucial.
- Shadab Khan: As the most experienced T20 campaigner in the squad, his bowling in the middle overs and lower-order batting gives Pakistan an edge.
- Saim Ayub: A rising star, Saim is known for his fearless batting and innovative stroke play.
- Haris Rauf & Naseem Shah: These two quicks will handle the new ball and death overs. Their sheer pace and ability to bowl yorkers make them match-winners.
🇧🇩 Bangladesh Squad Analysis
Bangladesh comes into this series with a revamped squad under the leadership of wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das. With several young players stepping up and a few senior players sidelined due to injuries, this tour serves as a testing ground for the Tigers’ future stars.
Complete Bangladesh Squad:Pakistan vs Bangladesh
- Litton Das (Captain) – Wicketkeeper batter
- Mahedi Hasan (Vice-captain) – Off-spin allrounder
- Hasan Mahmud – Fast bowler
- Jaker Ali – Wicketkeeper batter
- Mustafizur Rahman – Left-arm seamer (replaced by Khaled Ahmed due to injury)
- Najmul Hossain Shanto – Top-order batter
- Parvez Hossain Emon – Wicketkeeper batter
- Rishad Hossain – Allrounder
- Shamim Hossain – Middle-order allrounder
- Shoriful Islam – Left-arm pacer
- Soumya Sarkar – Batting allrounder (ruled out due to back injury, replaced by Mehidy Hasan Miraz)
- Tanvir Islam – Left-arm spinner
- Tanzid Hasan – Opening batter
- Tanzim Hasan Sakib – Bowling allrounder
- Towhid Hridoy – Middle-order batter
Key Players to Watch – Bangladesh:
- Litton Das: The captain’s consistency at the top is vital. His technique and temperament can provide stability.
- Mahedi Hasan: With his dual ability to bowl tight overs and contribute with the bat, he is a key figure in the middle overs.
- Tanzim Hasan Sakib: The young pace sensation brings control and aggression, especially in the death overs.
- Towhid Hridoy: Known for his fearless batting, Hridoy can take on spin and pace alike, making him a valuable middle-order asset.
Gaddafi Stadium – Pitch & Conditions
Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is known for its sporting wickets. Over the years, it has favored both batters and bowlers, depending on how well they adapt to the conditions.
- Pitch Behavior: The pitch for this match is expected to be dry and hard, offering some early movement for fast bowlers. Spinners may come into play in the latter half of each innings.
- Average First Innings Score: Between 165 and 180 in recent T20Is.
- Dew Factor: Dew might play a role in the second innings, making it slightly harder for bowlers to grip the ball.
- Weather Forecast: Pleasant weather is expected, with temperatures hovering around 28°C in the evening. No rain is predicted, so we’re likely to see a full 20-over contest.
T20I Head-to-Head Record:Pakistan vs Bangladesh
| Teams | Matches Played | Pakistan Wins | Bangladesh Wins |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pakistan vs Bangladesh | 15 | 12 | 3 |
Historically, Pakistan has dominated the T20I format against Bangladesh. However, Bangladesh has shown glimpses of brilliance and has the capability to upset the hosts if their youngsters perform to potential.
Form Guide – Last 5 T20Is
Pakistan: W, L, L, W, W
Bangladesh: L, W, L, L, W
Pakistan has shown better recent form, especially with young players stepping up during their series against New Zealand earlier this year. Bangladesh, meanwhile, has been inconsistent but competitive.
Tactical Insights
Pakistan’s Strategy:
- Explosive Start: Expect Pakistan to go hard in the powerplay with Fakhar and Saim Ayub opening the innings.
- Middle-Over Control: Shadab Khan and Abrar Ahmed will be tasked with maintaining pressure in the middle overs with variations.
- Pace Attack: The presence of Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, and Hasan Ali provides Pakistan with an edge in bowling depth.
Bangladesh’s Strategy:
- Top Order Resilience: Litton Das and Najmul Shanto must anchor the innings and build a platform.
- Spin Advantage: With spinners like Mahedi Hasan and Tanvir Islam, Bangladesh may look to slow down Pakistan’s aggressive middle order.
- Fielding Brilliance: Bangladesh’s fielding will be critical in defending totals against a strong Pakistan batting lineup.
Young Players to Watch:Pakistan vs Bangladesh
Pakistan – Hassan Nawaz
Only 20 years old, Hassan Nawaz is emerging as a powerful batter with a wide range of strokes. He recently impressed with a 105* in a domestic T20 and is seen as a player who could be Pakistan’s next big T20 star.
Bangladesh – Rishad Hossain
An allrounder with promise, Rishad Hossain has been making waves with his aggressive batting and useful spin. A strong showing in this series could cement his place in the squad.
Expert Prediction:Pakistan vs Bangladesh
Given the conditions and recent form, Pakistan enters the match as the favorite. Their home advantage, experienced pace unit, and explosive batters give them a slight edge over a relatively inexperienced Bangladesh team.
However, Bangladesh’s unpredictability, youthful spirit, and tactical spin bowling might just surprise the hosts. If Bangladesh bats first and posts 170+, the game could go down to the wire.
Broadcast Details
- Pakistan Viewers: PTV Sports, Ten Sports
- Bangladesh Viewers: Gazi TV (GTV), T Sports
- Live Streaming: Available on official broadcasters’ digital apps and platforms
Final Thoughts:Pakistan vs Bangladesh
The 1st T20I between Pakistan vs Bangladesh is more than just a series opener—it’s a test of preparation, strategy, and execution. With several players on both sides looking to cement their place in the national squads ahead of major tournaments, expect a highly competitive clash in Lahore.
As fans eagerly await the match, one thing is certain: cricket lovers are in for a night full of excitement, drama, and unforgettable moments.
