Pakistan’s struggles deepen after an eight-run defeat to Bangladesh in the second T20I at Dhaka.
Bangladesh Seal Historic T20I Series Win Over Pakistan
Pakistan’s struggles continued as the Salman Ali Agha-led side suffered an eight-run defeat in the second T20I of the three-match series, handing Bangladesh an unassailable 2-0 lead. Chasing 134, Pakistan collapsed to 125 all out in 19.2 overs at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka. Much like the first T20I, Pakistan’s batting lineup crumbled without resistance.
This victory marked Bangladesh’s first-ever T20I series win over Pakistan.
Pakistan’s chase began disastrously with Saim Ayub run out cheaply. The visitors lost their top five wickets for just 15 runs within the powerplay. Saim Ayub (1), Mohammad Haris (0), Fakhar Zaman (8), Hasan Nawaz (0), and Mohammad Nawaz (0) all fell early as Shoriful Islam and Tanim Hasan Sakib ripped through the lineup.
Captain Salman Ali Agha struggled, managing just 9 off 23 balls before being dismissed by Mahedi Hasan. Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah added 17 runs for the seventh wicket, but Khushdil’s dismissal for 13 in the 12th over stalled Pakistan’s recovery. Faheem Ashraf fought valiantly with a blistering 51 off 32 balls, striking four fours and four sixes, but his effort wasn’t enough as Pakistan fell eight runs short, bowled out for 125.
Here are some of the reactions:
Pakistan cricket even in its worst hour always had the possibility of throwing some magic here and there. It was that possibility that kept us hooked to the team.
— Assad (@LeftArmAround) July 22, 2025
That magic is long gone and our hopes and delusions have disappeared with it. This hurts.
Pakistan had already lost the series opener by seven wickets, with Bangladesh comfortably chasing down a modest target of 111. Following that defeat, Pakistan’s white-ball coach Mike Hesson had criticized the pitch, claiming it was not up to “international standards.”
Adding to their woes, Pakistan have excluded senior players like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi from their T20 setup. This latest defeat against Bangladesh will only intensify the scrutiny surrounding the team’s performance and selection strategy.
The third and final T20I between Pakistan and Bangladesh is scheduled for Thursday, July 24.
