Pakistan vs Bangladesh T20I Preview, Prediction, Lineups and betting odds: 28/5/2025

Pakistan is gearing up to host Bangladesh for a three-match T20 International series, beginning Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The series marks the beginning of Pakistan’s new home season and offers both teams a chance to fine-tune their squads ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

The matches are scheduled for May 28, May 30, and June 1, with all games starting at 8:00 PM local time. The teams will play under floodlights in Lahore, where weather conditions are expected to remain clear and hot, creating favorable circumstances for uninterrupted play.

Form Guide, Head-to-Head, and Strategic Context

In T20I history, Pakistan has a dominant record over Bangladesh, winning 16 of the 19 encounters. The last time the two sides met in this format, Pakistan secured a clean sweep during a bilateral series in 2023. Bangladesh, however, comes into this series on the back of a disappointing T20I series loss against the United Arab Emirates and will look to restore confidence and form.

The series is expected to play a vital role in shaping the squads for the T20 World Cup, especially for Bangladesh, whose young players will be tested in tough away conditions. For Pakistan, the series provides an opportunity to assess bench strength and give valuable match time to emerging cricketers in the absence of some senior stars.

Pakistan Overview

Pakistan have chosen to rest several of their mainstays, including Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi, to manage workloads ahead of a packed international calendar. In their place, the selectors have turned to a younger core that includes in-form performers from the recently concluded Pakistan Super League (PSL). Captain Salman Ali Agha will lead a side rich in all-round talent and firepower.

Pakistan Predicted Playing XI: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Mohammad Haris (wicketkeeper), Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Irfan Khan, Khushdil Shah, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed

The batting will hinge on aggressive openers like Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman, while the middle-order will rely on the likes of Mohammad Haris and Khushdil Shah. In the bowling department, Haris Rauf and Hasan Ali will lead the pace attack, complemented by spin options in Shadab Khan and mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed.

Banglades Overview

Bangladesh, meanwhile, arrives with a full-strength squad. The team management is expected to field its top players and also provide opportunities to younger talents who are being groomed for the future.

Bangladesh Predicted Playing XI: Litton Das (captain & wicketkeeper), Najmul Hossain Shanto, Tanzid Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Mahedi Hasan, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana, Mustafizur Rahman, Rishad Hossain

The Tigers will look to experienced campaigners like Litton Das and Shanto to anchor the innings, while the explosive Mahedi Hasan provides depth in both departments. In bowling, Mustafizur Rahman’s variations could prove crucial on Lahore’s flat pitch, supported by Hasan Mahmud’s pace and Rishad Hossain’s leg-spin.

Pitch and Weather Forecast

The pitch at Gaddafi Stadium is typically known for its batting-friendly nature, offering consistent bounce and pace. The venue has historically favored teams batting first, with the last six T20Is at this ground all won by the side that set a target. Captains winning the toss are likely to choose to bat and put up a substantial total to apply scoreboard pressure.

The weather across all three match days is expected to be hot and dry, with temperatures hovering between 37°C and 42°C. While heat may be a factor, especially for fielding sides, no rain interruptions are forecasted.

Key Players to Watch

• Fakhar Zaman (Pakistan): In strong form after PSL, his aggressive style could set the tone at the top of the order.
• Haris Rauf (Pakistan): With pace and death-overs expertise, he remains a critical figure in the bowling unit.
• Litton Das (Bangladesh): The captain will need to lead from the front to stabilize the batting unit.
• Mustafizur Rahman (Bangladesh): His experience and variations will be essential, especially against an explosive Pakistani lineup.
• Abrar Ahmed (Pakistan): The mystery spinner’s unpredictability may trouble the Bangladeshi middle order.

Prediction

This T20I series offers a key opportunity for both teams to assess player combinations, refine strategies, and identify form players ahead of global competitions. For Pakistan, playing at home with a younger squad offers both risk and reward, while Bangladesh will aim to break a long-standing losing streak against their opponents.

Given home advantage, historical dominance, and the momentum of emerging domestic talent, Pakistan enters the series as clear favorites to win the opening match and potentially claim the series. However, Bangladesh’s unpredictable flair and newly blooded talents may provide unexpected challenges as the series progresses.

Prediction: Expect Pakistan to register a comfortable win over Bangladesh and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.