Pakistan vs Bangladesh Preview, Prediction, Lineups and odds: 30/5/2025

Pakistan will aim to wrap up the three-match T20I series against Bangladesh when the two sides clash in the second encounter at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Friday evening. After a convincing win in the opening match, the home team is poised to maintain its dominance, while the visitors will be searching for a way to bounce back and keep the series alive.

Pakistan Overview

In the series opener held in Rawalpindi, Pakistan delivered a comprehensive all-round performance to secure a 37-run victory. Batting first, they posted a formidable total of 201 for 7 in their 20 overs. Skipper Salman Ali Agha played a pivotal role, anchoring the innings with a fluent 56 off 34 balls, which included eight boundaries and a six. His knock provided the stability needed for the explosive contributions that followed.

Mohammad Haris provided an early boost with 31 off just 18 deliveries, while middle-order power came from Shadab Khan and Hasan Nawaz. Shadab smashed 48 off 25, showing aggressive intent with five boundaries and a pair of sixes, while Nawaz added a brisk 44 from 22 balls, including four sixes. These efforts ensured Pakistan breached the 200-run mark, a total rarely chased successfully in T20 internationals at this venue.

Bangladesh Overview

Bangladesh’s bowlers found little success on the flat surface, with only Shoriful Islam managing to create meaningful impact. He picked up two wickets for 32 runs in his three overs, demonstrating some control amid the onslaught.

In response, Bangladesh’s chase never quite gathered momentum. While Litton Das led the resistance with a well-composed 48 off 30 balls, supported by Jaker Ali (36 off 20) and Tanzid Hasan (31 off 17), the batting order faltered against Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack. Wickets fell at regular intervals, and Bangladesh was eventually bowled out for 164 in 19.2 overs.

Hasan Ali emerged as the standout bowler for Pakistan, claiming 5 wickets for just 30 runs in 3.2 overs. His return to the T20I setup proved highly effective, delivering breakthroughs whenever needed. Shadab Khan also impressed with the ball, taking 2 for 26 in his four overs, capping off a strong all-round performance.

Team Compositions and Tactical Considerations

Pakistan is expected to stick with its winning combination. The predicted playing XI features Salman Ali Agha (captain), Mohammad Haris (wicketkeeper), Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Hasan Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Khushdil Shah, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Haris Rauf, and Abrar Ahmed. This line-up balances youthful aggression with experienced campaigners across both departments.

Bangladesh may consider minor changes but is likely to retain the core group. The projected XI includes Litton Das (captain and wicketkeeper), Tanzid Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Pervez Hossain Emon, Mahedi Hasan, Shamim Hossain, Hasan Mehmud, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, and Rishad Hossain. With their batting unit showing glimpses of power-hitting, the focus will be on stringing together partnerships and addressing the collapse seen in the first match.

Pitch and Weather Outlook

The second T20I will take place under clear skies, with no rain forecast. The pitch at Gaddafi Stadium is traditionally known for its batting-friendly nature, offering even bounce and quick outfield conditions. Batsmen are expected to enjoy stroke-making freedom, while bowlers will need to rely on variation and accuracy to find success.

As the match is scheduled to begin in the evening, dew could become a factor in the latter half of the game, potentially influencing the captain’s decision at the toss. Although the original suggestion leaned toward bowling first, the high-scoring nature of the venue may tempt the winning captain to bat first and apply scoreboard pressure.

Prediction

With a 1-0 lead, Pakistan enters the second match with the opportunity to clinch the series. A victory would mark their fourth consecutive T20I series win at home and reinforce their dominance against a rebuilding Bangladesh side. The form of key players such as Salman Agha, Shadab Khan, and Hasan Nawaz will be crucial in continuing this momentum.

For Bangladesh, the focus will be on correcting their field placements, tightening bowling lines, and extending their batting depth beyond the top order. Skipper Litton Das will need to inspire a stronger collective showing if the visitors are to push the series into a decider.

Prediction: Pakistan to beat Bangladesh and go 2-0 up in the T20I series.