When Pakistan faced Bangladesh in 1986 during the Asia Cup, few predicted this rivalry would span nearly 40 years.
Today, Pakistan holds commanding dominance with 67 wins across all formats, but Bangladesh’s stunning 2024 Test breakthrough signals a shift in this once one-sided competition.
This timeline covers Pakistan vs Bangladesh across Test cricket (14 matches), ODI cricket (39 matches), and T20I cricket (26 matches).
From Bangladesh’s initial struggles in the 1990s and 2000s, when they rarely challenged Pakistan, to their gradual improvement in limited-overs formats, and their historic Test series win in August 2024, this rivalry reveals the transformation of Bangladesh cricket.
Bangladesh’s emergence as a competitive force, particularly in red-ball cricket, marks a watershed moment. The 2024 Test series in Rawalpindi delivered Pakistan’s first home series loss since 2021.
| Format | Total Matches | Pakistan Wins | Bangladesh Wins | Draws | Pakistan Win % |
| Test Cricket | 14 | 12 | 2* | — | 85.7% |
| ODI Cricket | 39 | 34 | 5 | — | 87.2% |
| T20I Cricket | 26 | 21 | 5 | — | 80.8% |
| OVERALL | 79 | 67 | 12 | — | 84.8% |
*2024 breakthrough: Bangladesh won 2-0 in Rawalpindi, claiming first Test series ever
Pakistan’s win percentage exceeds 80% across all formats. However, Bangladesh’s 2024 series win marks their first Test series victory against Pakistan in history.
Test Cricket: Pakistan’s Dominance Shattered in Historic 2024
Bangladesh entered Test cricket with their first clash against Pakistan in 2001 at Multan. Pakistan won decisively by an innings and 264 runs, establishing the pattern that would dominate for over two decades.
From 2001 through 2023, Pakistan maintained an undefeated 12-0 record against Bangladesh in Test cricket. Pakistan’s superiority stemmed from better technique against pace bowling and superior batting depth across five days.
Bangladesh struggled particularly on unfamiliar pitches in Pakistan. Their batting often collapsed against aggressive fast bowling spearheaded by Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and later Shaheen Afridi.
However, Bangladesh’s spin attack gradually improved. Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz emerged as world-class spinners who could trouble opposing batsmen consistently.
Bangladesh’s Historic August 2024 Breakthrough
The first Test at Rawalpindi in August 2024 became cricket history. Bangladesh chased down 30 runs to win by 10 wickets, their first Test victory over Pakistan in 14 encounters.
Mushfiqur Rahim scored 191 runs in Bangladesh’s first innings, establishing a 117-run lead despite Pakistan declaring at 448 for 6. This high-quality batting set up the miraculous fourth-innings collapse for Pakistan.
Pakistan’s second innings crumbled dramatically to 146 all out. Mehidy Hasan Miraz took 4 wickets for 21 runs, dismantling Pakistan’s middle order with precise off-spin bowling.
Bangladesh’s opening batters, Zakir Hasan and Shadman Islam, completed the chase without losing a wicket. The 10-wicket victory marked the first time Bangladesh won a Test match against Pakistan.
The Second Test: Bangladesh Seals Historic Series Win
Four days later at the same venue, Bangladesh won the second Test by 6 wickets, clinching their first Test series victory on Pakistan’s soil.
Litton Das scored 136 runs in Bangladesh’s first innings after the team recovered from 26 for 6. This partnership with Mehidy Hasan Miraz of 165 runs proved match-deciding.
| Match | Winner | Victory Margin | Key Performance |
| 1st Test, Aug 21-25 | Bangladesh | 10 wickets | Mushfiqur 191, Mehidy 4-21 |
| 2nd Test, Aug 30-Sep 3 | Bangladesh | 6 wickets | Litton Das 136, Hasan Mahmud 5-43 |
Shakib Al Hasan’s captaincy proved crucial in both Tests. Bangladesh’s spinners exploited cracks in the Rawalpindi pitch that Pakistan had misjudged during their team selection.
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This series win elevated Bangladesh to sixth place in the ICC World Test Championship. Pakistan dropped to eighth place following consecutive home defeats.
ODI Cricket: Pakistan’s Continuing Dominance Since 1986
Pakistan faced Bangladesh first in ODI cricket during the 1986 Asia Cup in Moratuwa. Pakistan won by 7 wickets, beginning a pattern of overwhelming dominance.
From 1986 through 2023, Pakistan won 34 of 39 ODI matches against Bangladesh. This 87% win rate reflects Pakistan’s consistent batting depth and bowling quality.
Bangladesh showed occasional promise in bilateral series, but rarely competed in global tournaments. Pakistan’s experience at World Cups provided significant advantage in pressure situations.
Key ODI Moments
Bangladesh defeated Pakistan in 1999 during the World Cup group stage. This upset shocked the cricket world and proved Bangladesh could trouble established teams occasionally.
In the 2015 World Cup, Bangladesh defeated Pakistan again in a World Cup encounter. The quarter-final loss in 2015 proved costly for Pakistan’s tournament hopes.
By 2023, Pakistan had regained momentum, defeating Bangladesh by 7 wickets at Eden Gardens during the World Cup group stage. This victory kept Pakistan’s faint semi-final hopes alive briefly.
Pakistan maintains superior ODI records because of consistent middle-order batting and death-bowling expertise. Bangladesh struggles converting starts into substantial totals consistently.
T20I Cricket: Format Showing Increasing Competitiveness
T20I cricket between Pakistan and Bangladesh began in 2007 during a Kenya Twenty20 quadrangular tournament. Pakistan won by 30 runs, setting the early pattern.
Over 26 T20I encounters through 2025, Pakistan has won 21 matches while Bangladesh has won 5. This 81% win rate shows slight competitiveness compared to other formats.
The shorter format benefits Bangladesh because tactical flexibility matters more than pure resources. Their spinners become dangerous weapons in T20I cricket.
Bangladesh’s T20I Competitive Wins
Bangladesh has defeated Pakistan multiple times in T20I cricket through sharp bowling and explosive batting in crucial moments. These victories came in bilateral series and World Cup matches.
The most notable victories occurred when Bangladesh exploited specific conditions or caught Pakistan in transition phases. Their young players like Shakib Al Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman proved match-winners.
Pakistan’s T20I strength comes from explosive batting by Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and veteran Shoaib Malik. However, inconsistent bowling and selection issues have cost Pakistan crucial matches.
Major Turning Points and Memorable Contests
Early Era (1986-2002): Pakistan Establishes Dominance
Pakistan won 12 straight Test matches from 2001 to 2023. Their bowling attack proved too powerful for Bangladesh batsmen who lacked experience against express pace bowling.
World Cup Moments (1999-2015): Bangladesh Surprises Pakistan
Bangladesh’s 1999 World Cup victory marked their first significant upset. This proved Akram Murtaza and spin bowlers could execute under pressure against top teams.
Recent Era (2020-2024): Bangladesh Emergence
Bangladesh’s 2024 Test series victory represents the culmination of 14 years of incremental improvement. Their consistent performance finally translated into concrete success.
Historic Breakthrough (August 2024): Shifting Dynamics
The Rawalpindi series demonstrated that Bangladesh had closed the gap in Test cricket. Pakistan’s tactical mistakes and Bangladesh’s tactical excellence combined for this outcome.
FAQs
When did Pakistan first play Bangladesh in cricket?
Pakistan faced Bangladesh first on March 31, 1986, during Asia Cup at Moratuwa. Pakistan won by 7 wickets in ODI cricket during this inaugural encounter.
What is Pakistan’s head-to-head record against Bangladesh?
Pakistan leads 67-12 overall across Test, ODI and T20I cricket. Pakistan wins 84.8% of matches across all three formats combined consistently.
How many Test matches have Pakistan and Bangladesh played?
Pakistan and Bangladesh have played 14 Test matches. Pakistan won 12 while Bangladesh won 2, both victories coming in August 2024 series.
Did Bangladesh ever defeat Pakistan in a Test match?
Yes. Bangladesh won their first Test ever against Pakistan in August 2024 at Rawalpindi. They won the 10-wicket victory and sealed 2-0 series.
What was Bangladesh’s first Test series victory against Pakistan?
Bangladesh’s first Test series win came in August 2024 in Rawalpindi. They won both matches convincingly, with Mushfiqur Rahim and Mehidy Hasan Miraz leading.
How many ODI matches have Pakistan and Bangladesh played?
Pakistan and Bangladesh have played 39 ODI matches. Pakistan won 34, Bangladesh won 5, establishing Pakistan’s overwhelming ODI dominance historically.
Did Bangladesh ever defeat Pakistan in ODI cricket?
Yes. Bangladesh has defeated Pakistan 5 times in ODI cricket including memorable victories at 1999 and 2015 World Cups during crucial matches.
What was the most memorable Pakistan vs Bangladesh cricket match?
The 2024 first Test at Rawalpindi stands out as most memorable. Bangladesh won by 10 wickets, ending 23-year Test series losing streak against Pakistan.
How many T20I matches have Pakistan and Bangladesh played?
Pakistan and Bangladesh have played 26 T20I matches. Pakistan won 21 while Bangladesh won 5, showing greater competitiveness in shortest format.
When was the last Pakistan versus Bangladesh bilateral series?
Pakistan toured Bangladesh in April 2024 for bilateral T20I and ODI series. Previously, Bangladesh toured Pakistan in August 2024 for historic Test series.
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