Introduction: Pakistan National Cricket Team vs Bangladesh National Cricket Team Timeline
The cricket rivalry between Pakistan and Bangladesh has evolved into one of the sport’s most intriguing narratives since Bangladesh gained Test status in 2000. What began as seemingly one-sided contests has transformed into fiercely competitive encounters across all formats, with Bangladesh gradually emerging as a formidable opponent. The two nations share deep cultural and historical ties, adding emotional intensity to their matches that transcends mere statistics.
From Pakistan’s dominance in the early years to Bangladesh’s stunning upsets in recent times, their timeline reflects the broader story of Bangladesh’s remarkable rise in international cricket. This rivalry has produced memorable moments, controversial incidents, and shifting power dynamics that continue to captivate cricket fans across South Asia.
Early History of Pakistan vs Bangladesh Cricket Rivalry
The cricket relationship between the two nations goes back before Bangladesh became a Test-playing team. Until 1971, Bangladesh was known as East Pakistan, but cricket facilities at that time were very limited.
After independence:
- Bangladesh started playing ICC events as an Associate nation.
- Pakistan supported Bangladesh’s journey toward gaining Test status.
- Their first official international match was played in 1986 during the Austral-Asia Cup.
From that point onward, Bangladesh slowly developed into one of Asia’s competitive teams.
Pakistan vs Bangladesh in Test Cricket – Full Timeline
Test cricket between the two sides has been limited because Bangladesh became competitive in the longer format only after the mid-2000s.
Test Match Timeline (2001–2025)
1. Pakistan Tour of Bangladesh 2001 – First Test Series
- Bangladesh had newly achieved Test status.
- Pakistan, led by Waqar Younis, won comfortably with innings victories.
2. 2003 Series in Pakistan
- Bangladesh showed signs of improvement.
- Pakistan still dominated, but matches were more competitive.
3. 2011 Bangladesh Series
- Bangladesh produced good sessions but failed to convert them into match-winning positions.
- Pakistan’s bowling proved too strong in crucial phases.
4. 2015 Pakistan Tour
- Bangladesh struggled in Test matches despite improving in limited overs formats.
- Pakistan controlled the series from start to finish.
5. 2020 Test Series
- Pakistan won easily at home.
- Naseem Shah created history by taking a Test hat-trick—the youngest to do so.
6. 2021–2022 Bangladesh Home Series
- Pakistan again swept the series.
- Bangladesh’s batting collapses continued to be a major concern.
Table: Pakistan vs Bangladesh – Test Record Summary
| Category | Pakistan | Bangladesh |
| Matches Played | 13+ | 13+ |
| Pakistan Wins | 13 | 0 |
| Bangladesh Wins | 0 | 0 |
| Draw | Few | Few |
| Highest Team Score | 600+ | 330+ |
| Best Bowlers | Yasir Shah, Pakistan Pacers | Shakib Al Hasan |
Pakistan has maintained a perfect winning record in Tests against Bangladesh.
Pakistan vs Bangladesh in ODIs – Full Timeline
The ODI rivalry between Pakistan and Bangladesh began in 1986, long before Bangladesh achieved Test status, with Pakistan maintaining overwhelming dominance in the early decades. From their first encounter in the Asia Cup to regular meetings in ICC tournaments and bilateral series, Pakistan won the vast majority of matches through the 1990s and 2000s, often by convincing margins.
ODI Timeline (1986–2025)
1986 – First-ever ODI Match
- Played during the Austral-Asia Cup.
- Pakistan won comfortably.
1999 World Cup – A Historic Upset
- Bangladesh stunned Pakistan in Northampton.
- This win played a major role in Bangladesh receiving Test status.
2000–2011: Pakistan Dominates
- Pakistan won almost all matches during this period.
- Bangladesh lacked consistent batting and bowling depth.
2012 Asia Cup – Bangladesh Nearly Beat Pakistan
- Thrilling last-ball finish.
- Pakistan won the final by just 2 runs—one of the closest games in Asia Cup history.
2015 – Bangladesh’s Golden Home Series
- Bangladesh whitewashed Pakistan 3–0.
- Strong performances from Tamim and Mushfiqur.
2018–2022
- Bangladesh continued improving in ODIs.
- Pakistan stayed ahead overall.
2023–2025
- Competitive matches, but Pakistan usually held the edge.
Table: Pakistan vs Bangladesh – ODI Record Summary
| Category | Pakistan | Bangladesh |
| Matches Played | ~38 | ~38 |
| Pakistan Wins | 33 | 5 |
| Bangladesh Wins | 5 | 5 |
| Highest Team Score | 385+ | 329+ |
| Best ODI Batters | Saeed Anwar, Inzamam, Babar Azam | Tamim, Shakib, Mushfiqur |
| Best ODI Bowlers | Wasim, Shoaib, Shaheen | Shakib, Taskin |
Bangladesh’s ODI improvement is more noticeable compared to other formats.
Pakistan vs Bangladesh in T20 Internationals – Full Timeline
T20 matches between the two sides have mostly been one-sided, with Pakistan dominating almost every encounter.
T20I Timeline (2007–2025)
2007–2014
- Pakistan dominated early T20 World Cups and bilateral encounters.
2015–2020
- Bangladesh failed to win a single T20 against Pakistan during this period.
- Pakistan’s bowling attack was significantly stronger.
2021–2023 Series in Bangladesh
- Pakistan swept the series.
- Low-scoring matches on spin-friendly pitches.
Table: Pakistan vs Bangladesh – T20I Record Summary
| Category | Pakistan | Bangladesh |
| Matches Played | 18+ | 18+ |
| Pakistan Wins | 17 | 1 |
| Bangladesh Wins | 1 | 1 |
| Highest Score | 201 | 144 |
| Top Performers | Babar Azam, Rizwan, Afridi | Shakib, Mahmudullah |
Major ICC & Asia Cup Tournaments Featuring Both Teams
1999 World Cup – Bangladesh’s Famous Win
- Bangladesh shocked Pakistan and claimed one of their biggest victories.
2012 Asia Cup – Final Ball Thriller
- Pakistan won by 2 runs in a dramatic finish.
2018 Asia Cup
- Bangladesh defeated Pakistan to reach the final.
2023 Asia Cup
- Pakistan won convincingly with a strong bowling performance.
Pakistan’s Dominance – Key Reasons
- Fast Bowling Legacy
Legendary pacers such as Wasim, Waqar, Shoaib, Amir, and Shaheen. - Strong Batting Depth
Consistent performers like Inzamam, Yousuf, Misbah, and Babar. - Better Cricketing Infrastructure
A well-developed domestic system that produces quality players. - Experience in Big Matches
Pakistan has more success in ICC events than Bangladesh.
Bangladesh’s Rise – A New Chapter
- Strong Home Advantage
Spin-friendly pitches benefit their attack. - All-Rounders Like Shakib
Shakib alone has balanced many matches. - Improved Fitness & Training
Better facilities and coaching investments. - Confidence from Major Wins
Especially the 2015 ODI whitewash.
Head-to-Head Full Statistical Comparison
Table: All Format Head-to-Head Summary
| Format | Matches | Pakistan Wins | Bangladesh Wins | Draw/NR |
| Test | 13 | 13 | 0 | Few |
| ODI | 38 | 33 | 5 | 0 |
| T20I | 18 | 17 | 1 | 0 |
| Total | 69 | 63 | 6 | Few |
Pakistan leads comfortably in all formats.
Famous Matches Between Pakistan & Bangladesh
1. 1999 World Cup – Bangladesh Wins
Bangladesh’s most iconic victory.
2. 2012 Asia Cup Final
Pakistan gained by 2 runs in a nail-biter.
3. 2015 ODI Series – Bangladesh 3–0 Win
A historic 2d in Bangladesh cricket.
4. 2018 Asia Cup Super Four
Bangladesh eliminated Pakistan.
5. 2021 T20I Series
Key Players Who Defined This Rivalry
For Pakistan
- Wasim Akram
- Inzamam-ul-Haq
- Shoaib Akhtar
- Babar Azam
- Shaheen Afridi
For Bangladesh
- Shakib Al Hasan
- Tamim Iqbal
- Mashrafe Mortaza
- Mushfiqur Rahim
Future of Pakistan vs Bangladesh Rivalry
- Young Bangladeshi talents like Hridoy, Shanto, and Taskin are improving.
- Pakistan’s bowling depth remains strong.
- More bilateral series will make the rivalry more competitive in coming years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which team has won more matches between Pakistan and Bangladesh?
Pakistan has won the majority of matches across all formats.
What was Bangladesh’s first win over Pakistan?
Their first major win came in the 1999 Cricket World Cup.
How many ODIs has Bangladesh won against Pakistan?
Bangladesh has won 5 ODI matches so far.
Which match between the two teams is considered the closest?
The 2012 Asia Cup final, which Pakistan won by just 2 runs.
Who are the top performers in this rivalry?
Pakistan: Babar, Wasim, Shaheen
Bangladesh: Shakib, Tamim, Mushfiqur
Conclusion
The Pakistan vs Bangladesh cricket timeline showcases how a once one-sided rivalry has grown into a more competitive and exciting contest. While Pakistan continues to dominate statistically, Bangladesh’s improvement—especially in ODIs—adds unpredictability to every encounter. From historic World Cup moments to Asia Cup thrillers, this rivalry remains an important part of South Asian cricket. As both teams strengthen their squads, the future promises even more thrilling and closely fought matches.
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