Table of Contents
The cricket rivalry between Pakistan and Bangladesh has developed through several decades, covering memorable encounters in Tests, ODIs and T20Is. From their early meetings in Asia Cup cricket to major World Cup clashes and closely fought modern T20 contests, both teams have produced important moments for fans across South Asia. The Pakistan National Cricket Team Vs Bangladesh National Cricket Team Timeline provides a useful way to understand how this contest has evolved, including Bangladesh’s rise as a competitive international side, Pakistan’s long-standing record, historic bilateral series and recent changes in results. Their meetings have also featured several notable individual performances and landmark victories that have shaped the history between the two teams.
Early Meetings Between Pakistan and Bangladesh
Pakistan and Bangladesh first met in international cricket in the 1980s, when Bangladesh was developing its position in international cricket. One of their earliest recorded encounters came during the 1986 Asia Cup in Sri Lanka. Pakistan won that match, establishing an early pattern in the rivalry.
During the late 1980s and 1990s, most meetings occurred in limited-overs tournaments. Pakistan generally had the stronger record, while Bangladesh gained valuable experience against one of Asia’s established cricket teams.
The 1999 Cricket World Cup provided another important chapter. Bangladesh defeated Pakistan in the group stage at Northampton, a result that became one of the most significant wins in Bangladesh’s early international history. The match was particularly memorable because Bangladesh entered the tournament as an emerging cricket nation but produced a major upset against a strong Pakistan side.
Pakistan and Bangladesh Enter the Test Era
Bangladesh became a Test-playing nation in 2000. Their first Test against Pakistan took place in 2001, marking the beginning of a more extensive cricket relationship between the two countries.
Pakistan won the Test match in Multan during the inaugural Asian Test Championship encounter involving Bangladesh. Bangladesh then hosted Pakistan for a two-Test series in January 2002. Pakistan won both matches convincingly.
The 2003 series in Pakistan was another important stage in the development of the rivalry. The teams played three Tests and five ODIs. Pakistan won all three Tests, while the ODI series also ended in Pakistan’s favor. The official Pakistan Cricket Board records show that the Test matches were played in Karachi, Peshawar and Multan, followed by five ODIs across several Pakistani venues.
Early Test Series Results
| Year | Series/Competition | Format | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Asian Test Championship | Test | Pakistan won |
| 2002 | Pakistan tour of Bangladesh | Tests | Pakistan won 2–0 |
| 2003 | Bangladesh tour of Pakistan | Tests | Pakistan won 3–0 |
| 2003 | Bangladesh tour of Pakistan | ODIs | Pakistan won 5–0 |
| 2008 | Bangladesh tour of Pakistan | ODIs | Pakistan won 3–0 |
| 2011 | Pakistan tour of Bangladesh | Tests & ODIs | Pakistan won both series |
Pakistan’s early dominance was particularly noticeable in Test cricket. Bangladesh, however, continued developing its batting, bowling and domestic structure, eventually becoming increasingly competitive in shorter formats.
The 2008 and 2011 Series
The teams met again in a three-match ODI series in Pakistan in 2008. Pakistan won the series 3–0.
In 2011, Pakistan toured Bangladesh for a multi-format series. The visitors won both Tests and all three ODIs. These results continued Pakistan’s strong record in bilateral cricket during this period.
Although Bangladesh struggled to defeat Pakistan consistently, its players were gaining international experience. Cricketers such as Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim and Mashrafe Mortaza became increasingly important to Bangladesh’s development.
Bangladesh’s Breakthrough in 2015
The 2015 tour of Bangladesh became one of the biggest turning points in the rivalry.
Bangladesh won all three ODIs against Pakistan. The first ODI was won by 79 runs, the second by seven wickets and the third by eight wickets. This completed a 3–0 ODI series victory for Bangladesh.
The same tour also included a T20I and two Tests. Bangladesh won the only T20I by seven wickets, while the first Test ended in a draw. Pakistan won the second Test by 328 runs.
The ODI whitewash was nevertheless historically significant because it represented Bangladesh’s first bilateral ODI series win over Pakistan. The results from the series illustrate how much Bangladesh had progressed since its earlier years in international cricket.
2015 Pakistan Tour of Bangladesh
| Match | Format | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | ODI | Dhaka | Bangladesh won by 79 runs |
| 2nd ODI | ODI | Dhaka | Bangladesh won by 7 wickets |
| 3rd ODI | ODI | Dhaka | Bangladesh won by 8 wickets |
| Only T20I | T20I | Dhaka | Bangladesh won by 7 wickets |
| 1st Test | Test | Khulna | Draw |
| 2nd Test | Test | Dhaka | Pakistan won by 328 runs |
The series demonstrated that the rivalry was no longer entirely one-sided in every format. Bangladesh had developed into a team capable of producing series-level success against established opponents.
Asia Cup and T20 Encounters in 2016
The two teams met again during the 2016 Asia Cup, which was played in T20 format. Bangladesh reached the final of the tournament, while Pakistan failed to progress to the championship match.
Bangladesh defeated Pakistan by five wickets in the league stage. Pakistan scored 129 for 7 after batting first, while Bangladesh reached the target with five wickets remaining. The PCB scorecard records Sarfaraz Ahmed as Pakistan’s top scorer with 58, while Soumya Sarkar played an important role for Bangladesh.
The teams also met in the 2016 ICC World T20. Pakistan won that match by 55 runs after scoring 201 for 5.
These contrasting results highlighted the changing nature of the rivalry. Bangladesh could defeat Pakistan in important tournaments, while Pakistan remained capable of responding strongly in other high-pressure matches.
Encounters Between 2018 and 2020
The teams continued meeting primarily in multi-nation tournaments and T20 cricket. During the 2018 Asia Cup, Pakistan defeated Bangladesh in the Super Four stage by 37 runs.
The 2019 Cricket World Cup also featured a Pakistan-Bangladesh match. Pakistan won by 94 runs at Lord’s after scoring 315 for 9, while Bangladesh were dismissed for 221.
In January 2020, Bangladesh toured Pakistan for a three-match T20I series. Pakistan won the series 2–0, with one match abandoned because of weather. The two teams later played a Test in Rawalpindi, which Pakistan won by an innings and 44 runs.
The rivalry therefore entered the 2020s with Pakistan still holding a substantial overall advantage, but Bangladesh had already demonstrated its ability to produce important victories in ODIs and tournament cricket.
Pakistan’s 2021 Tour of Bangladesh
Pakistan toured Bangladesh in November and December 2021 for three T20Is and two Tests.
Pakistan won all three T20Is. The first match was won by four wickets, the second by eight wickets and the third by five wickets. The Pakistan Cricket Board records the first three matches as being played at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.
Pakistan then won both Tests. The first Test was played in Chattogram, while the second took place in Mirpur. The overall Test series ended 2–0 and the T20I series 3–0 in Pakistan’s favor.
2021 Series Summary
| Format | Matches | Series Result |
|---|---|---|
| T20I | 3 | Pakistan won 3–0 |
| Test | 2 | Pakistan won 2–0 |
| Overall matches | 5 | Pakistan won all 5 |
This was one of Pakistan’s most comprehensive tours against Bangladesh in the modern era.
The 2022 and 2023 Period
The teams met several times during 2022 and 2023, mostly in major tournaments and T20 cricket.
Pakistan defeated Bangladesh in the 2022 T20 World Cup in Adelaide by five wickets. Bangladesh scored 127 for 8, and Pakistan reached the target with five wickets in hand.
In the 2022 New Zealand T20I Tri-Series, Pakistan defeated Bangladesh in both meetings. Pakistan won the first match by 21 runs and the second by seven wickets.
During the 2023 Asia Cup, Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by seven wickets in Lahore. Bangladesh scored 193, while Pakistan chased the target with three wickets remaining.
Later that year, Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by seven wickets in the 2023 Cricket World Cup at Eden Gardens. Bangladesh scored 204, while Pakistan reached 205 for 3. These results maintained Pakistan’s strong recent record in limited-overs encounters.
Bangladesh’s Historic Test Series Win in 2024
One of the most important developments in the rivalry occurred in August 2024.
Bangladesh toured Pakistan for a two-Test series. In the first Test at Rawalpindi, Bangladesh won by 10 wickets. Pakistan had declared its first innings at 448 for 6, with Saud Shakeel scoring 141 and Mohammad Rizwan making 171 not out. Bangladesh responded with 565 and then chased a small target successfully.
Bangladesh then won the second Test at Rawalpindi by six wickets.
As a result, Bangladesh completed a 2–0 Test series victory in Pakistan. This was a landmark result in the history of the two teams and one of Bangladesh’s most significant Test series achievements.
2024 Test Series
| Test | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | Rawalpindi | Bangladesh won by 10 wickets |
| 2nd Test | Rawalpindi | Bangladesh won by 6 wickets |
| Series | Pakistan | Bangladesh won 2–0 |
The series was especially notable because Bangladesh became the first team to defeat Pakistan in both Tests of a home Test series in this contest.
Pakistan’s T20I Response in 2025
Pakistan responded strongly when Bangladesh toured Pakistan for three T20Is in May and June 2025.
Pakistan won the first T20I by 37 runs, the second by 57 runs and the third by seven wickets. In the third match, Bangladesh scored 196 for 6, but Pakistan reached 197 for 3 to complete a 3–0 series sweep. The PCB scorecard confirms Pakistan’s seven-wicket victory in Lahore on June 1, 2025.
This series showed how quickly momentum could change between formats and tours. Bangladesh had achieved a historic Test series victory only months earlier, while Pakistan responded with a clean sweep in T20Is.
Bangladesh’s T20I Series Victory in July 2025
The teams met again in July 2025 when Pakistan toured Bangladesh for three T20Is.
Bangladesh won the first match by seven wickets and the second by eight runs. Pakistan avoided a clean sweep by winning the third match by 74 runs.
The series therefore finished 2–1 in Bangladesh’s favor. ESPN’s match records list all three results, including Bangladesh’s two victories and Pakistan’s 74-run win in the final match.
July 2025 T20I Series
| Match | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | Dhaka | Bangladesh won by 7 wickets |
| 2nd T20I | Dhaka | Bangladesh won by 8 runs |
| 3rd T20I | Dhaka | Pakistan won by 74 runs |
| Series | Dhaka | Bangladesh won 2–1 |
The back-to-back bilateral series in 2025 added another important chapter to the rivalry, with both teams winning a series on the other’s home ground.
Asia Cup 2025 Meeting
Pakistan and Bangladesh also met in the Super Four stage of the 2025 Asia Cup.
Pakistan scored 135 for 8 at Dubai International Stadium. Bangladesh were restricted to 124 for 9, giving Pakistan an 11-run victory.
Shaheen Shah Afridi played a key role with the ball, taking three wickets, while Haris Rauf also claimed three wickets. The Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed the 11-run result on September 25, 2025.
The match was another example of the competitive nature of their recent T20 encounters, where relatively small margins have decided important games.
Pakistan-Bangladesh Matches in 2026
The rivalry continued into 2026 with Bangladesh hosting Pakistan for a three-match ODI series and two Tests.
Bangladesh won the first ODI by eight wickets. Pakistan responded by winning the second ODI by 128 runs under the DLS method. Bangladesh then won the third ODI by 11 runs, taking the series 2–1.
The two sides subsequently played two Tests. Bangladesh won the first Test by 104 runs and the second by 78 runs, completing a 2–0 Test series victory.
2026 Series Results
| Series | Matches | Result |
|---|---|---|
| ODI Series | 3 | Bangladesh won 2–1 |
| Test Series | 2 | Bangladesh won 2–0 |
| ODI 1 | Mirpur | Bangladesh won by 8 wickets |
| ODI 2 | Mirpur | Pakistan won by 128 runs |
| ODI 3 | Mirpur | Bangladesh won by 11 runs |
| Test 1 | Mirpur | Bangladesh won by 104 runs |
| Test 2 | Sylhet | Bangladesh won by 78 runs |
These results added further significance to Bangladesh’s recent success against Pakistan, particularly in home conditions.
Overall Head-to-Head
Across the long history of the rivalry, Pakistan has generally recorded more victories, especially in Tests and ODIs. A compiled record through May 2026 lists 76 matches across all three international formats, with Pakistan winning 61 and Bangladesh winning 13, while two matches produced no result. The same compilation lists Pakistan’s record as 11–2 in Tests, 34–8 in ODIs and 16–3 in T20Is.
However, overall numbers do not fully describe the recent direction of the contest. Bangladesh’s 2–0 Test victory in 2024, its 2–1 T20I series win in 2025 and its 2–1 ODI and 2–0 Test results in 2026 represent important recent additions to the rivalry.
| Format | Matches through May 2026 | Pakistan Wins | Bangladesh Wins | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 14 | 11 | 2 | 1 |
| ODIs | 43 | 34 | 8 | 1 |
| T20Is | 19 | 16 | 3 | 0 |
| All Formats | 76 | 61 | 13 | 2 |
The historical record therefore shows two different stories: Pakistan has the larger cumulative advantage, while Bangladesh has produced several important successes in more recent years.
Major Turning Points in the Rivalry
Several matches and series stand out when the complete history is viewed chronologically.
The 1999 World Cup victory was an early landmark for Bangladesh. The 2000s were then largely controlled by Pakistan, particularly in Test and bilateral ODI cricket.
The 2015 ODI series was another major turning point because Bangladesh won all three matches against Pakistan. The 2016 Asia Cup victory further demonstrated Bangladesh’s growing strength in limited-overs cricket.
Pakistan regained control during several encounters from 2018 through 2023, including the 2019 World Cup and 2022 T20 World Cup.
The 2024 Test series, however, represented another historic shift. Bangladesh defeated Pakistan 2–0 in Pakistan, before Pakistan answered with a 3–0 T20I sweep in 2025. Bangladesh then won the July 2025 T20I series 2–1 and followed it with strong results in 2026.
The timeline therefore reflects a rivalry that has changed considerably as Bangladesh has developed into a more experienced international team.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Pakistan and Bangladesh first play international cricket?
Pakistan and Bangladesh first met in international cricket in the 1980s, with an early meeting coming during the 1986 Asia Cup. Pakistan won that encounter.
When did Bangladesh first defeat Pakistan in a major international tournament?
Bangladesh famously defeated Pakistan in the 1999 Cricket World Cup. It was one of the most memorable victories in Bangladesh’s early international cricket history.
When did Bangladesh first win a bilateral ODI series against Pakistan?
Bangladesh achieved its first bilateral ODI series victory over Pakistan in 2015, winning all three matches of the series in Bangladesh.
Has Bangladesh beaten Pakistan in Test cricket?
Yes. Bangladesh defeated Pakistan in Test cricket, including a historic 2–0 home Test series victory in 2024.
What happened in the 2024 Pakistan vs Bangladesh Test series?
Bangladesh won both Tests in Rawalpindi. The first Test was won by 10 wickets and the second by six wickets, giving Bangladesh a 2–0 series victory.
Who won the Pakistan vs Bangladesh T20I series in 2025?
There were two bilateral T20I series between the teams in 2025. Pakistan won the three-match series in Pakistan 3–0, while Bangladesh won the three-match series in Bangladesh 2–1.
Who won the Pakistan vs Bangladesh ODI series in 2026?
Bangladesh won the three-match ODI series 2–1 in March 2026. Bangladesh won the first and third matches, while Pakistan won the second.
Who has the better overall head-to-head record?
Historically, Pakistan has won substantially more matches across Tests, ODIs and T20Is. A record compiled through May 2026 lists Pakistan with 61 wins compared with Bangladesh’s 13 across 76 matches in all three formats.
Why is the rivalry important in Asian cricket?
The contest represents the development of Bangladesh from an emerging cricket nation into an established international side. Pakistan’s historical success and Bangladesh’s more recent victories have created a rivalry with a long statistical history and several significant tournament and bilateral moments.
Conclusion
The Pakistan-Bangladesh cricket rivalry has travelled a long way from its early Asia Cup meetings. Pakistan dominated much of the early period, particularly in Tests and ODIs, while Bangladesh gradually built the experience and depth required to compete consistently at international level. The 1999 World Cup victory, 2015 ODI series triumph and 2024 Test series win became important milestones for Bangladesh. Pakistan, meanwhile, has repeatedly responded through strong performances in major tournaments and bilateral T20I series. By 2026, the overall historical record still reflected Pakistan’s long-term advantage, but Bangladesh had added several major recent series victories to the rivalry. Together, these matches form a timeline that reflects the changing competitive landscape of Asian cricket.