Bangladesh held their nerve in a tense final over to edge Pakistan by 9 runs in a low-scoring thriller at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on 22 July 2025, clinching the three-match T20I series 2–0 with one match to spare.
Chasing 134 for victory, Pakistan were bowled out for 125 in 19.2 overs. The innings was a dramatic collapse, punctuated by brief resistance from Faheem Ashraf, who top-scored with a fighting 45. Bangladesh struck early, removing Saim Ayub via a run out in the very first over. Mohammad Haris followed next ball, trapped lbw by Shoriful Islam for a golden duck, leaving Pakistan reeling at 10 for 2.
The collapse continued with Fakhar Zaman caught behind for 8, and by the fifth over Pakistan were tottering at 15 for 5 their lowest-ever score at the fall of five wickets in a T20I, surpassing the previous mark of 16 for 5 against Australia in 2024. Bangladesh too registered their best-ever performance in this regard, having never previously taken five wickets for so few runs in a T20I.
Mahedi Hasan and Shoriful Islam were instrumental in dismantling the middle order, as Pakistan slumped to 30 for 6 and then 47 for 7. A brief counter-attack came through Khushdil Shah and Faheem Ashraf, but the damage had already been done. Even with some late hitting in the 15th and 19th overs including 20 runs off one over from Rishad Hossain Pakistan entered the final over needing 13 runs with just one wicket in hand.
Mustafizur Rahman began the 20th over by conceding a four to Ahmed Daniyal, but the debutant’s attempt to clear the boundary on the next ball ended in the hands of Shamim Hossain at deep midwicket.
Pakistan’s chase began in disarray as they slumped to 15 for 5 and then 30 for 6, staring down the barrel of their lowest-ever T20I total. But Faheem Ashraf (51 off 32), Abbas Afridi (19 off 13), and Ahmed Daniyal (17 off 11) revived hopes of an unlikely turnaround. Despite their late resistance, Pakistan were bowled out for 125, handing Bangladesh a thrilling 8-run victory.
Earlier, after being sent in to bat, Bangladesh posted 133 all out on the final ball of their innings a total that looked below par but proved just enough in the end. The hosts endured a disastrous start, managing just 28 runs in the powerplay while losing four key wickets. Mohammad Naim was dismissed trying to loft Faheem Ashraf, captain Litton Das followed soon after for 8, and both Towhid Hridoy and Parvez Hossain fell cheaply, with the latter contributing 13.
At 28 for 4 in the sixth over, Bangladesh were in deep trouble. However, a crucial 53-run partnership between Jaker Ali and Mahedi Hasan steadied the innings. It was Bangladesh’s highest fifth-wicket stand against Pakistan in T20Is, surpassing the 44-run stand between Shakib Al Hasan and Nasir Hossain in 2014.
Mahedi played the aggressor’s role, striking a massive 92-metre six off Khushdil Shah and scoring 33 from 25 balls before falling to Mohammad Nawaz. Jaker continued to anchor the innings, bringing up his half-century in the final over by launching Abbas Afridi for two sixes. He was dismissed off the last ball for a well-made 55 off 48 deliveries, including five sixes and a solitary four. For his composed and crucial knock under pressure, Jaker was named Player of the Match.
Before the match, Pakistan captain Agha Salman won the toss and opted to field first. In a solemn moment that overshadowed proceedings, both teams observed a minute’s silence and wore black armbands to honour those affected by the tragic incident at Milestone College.
Bangladesh made two changes to their line-up: Mohammad Naim came in for Tanzid Hasan at the top of the order, while Shoriful Islam replaced the rested Taskin Ahmed. Pakistan handed a T20I debut to pacer Ahmed Daniyal, replacing spinner Abrar Ahmed.
Speaking at the toss, Bangladesh captain Litton Das reflected on the tragedy:
“We all know what happened yesterday. It has been very difficult for us. It’s not easy to accept. Today we are playing with heavy hearts. As a parent myself, I deeply feel the pain. Everyone is heartbroken and emotional at this moment. All we can do now is pray.”
Litton added that the wicket looked good for batting and expressed confidence in his team to build on their momentum. That momentum now sees Bangladesh take an unassailable 2–0 lead in the series