Pakistan national cricket team vs bangladesh national cricket team timeline The cricket rivalry between Pakistan and Bangladesh has been nurtured with time, witnessing high competitive levels and a share of glorious moments during play. Both countries passionately love the game, and so, their matches always display passion, pride and sportsmanship. This is the chronology of matches with crucial moments and the emerging dynamic of the Pakistan-Bangladesh cricket rivalry.
Beginning: Early days and first encounter
1971-1980s: Relations prior to independence
Before Bangladesh gained independence in 1971, the nation was part of Pakistan. Players from East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) occasionally represented the Pakistan national team in domestic tournaments. After independence, cricket gained momentum in Bangladesh, but it took time for a competitive international team to emerge.
1986: First One-Day International (ODI) match
The first ODI match between Pakistan and Bangladesh was played on 31 March 1986 in the Asia Cup at Sharjah. Pakistani team dominated the game as they constrained Bangladesh to a very small number and chased down easily. Match set the tone for rivalry that over the decades was going to become more competitive.
1990s: Bangladesh’s search for recognition
During the 1990s, Pakistan remained a cricketing powerhouse, while Bangladesh was still trying to find its place on the international arena. The two teams met rarely, mostly during multinational tournaments.
1999 Cricket World Cup
Perhaps one of the most memorable incidents of Bangladesh cricket history was the defeat of Pakistan in the group match during the 1999 ICC Cricket World Cup. This Northampton victory was Bangladesh’s first big win against a full-time cricketing nation. Bangladesh’s cricketing credentials received a boost with this victory, and it paved the way for Bangladesh to gain Test status in 2000.
2000: Bangladesh gains Test status.
After Bangladesh gained Test status in 2000, their matches with Pakistan were expanded from ODIs to include Test matches.
2001: First Test series
The two countries played their first Test series in 2001, hosted by Pakistan and Bangladesh. Pakistan dominated the series by winning all matches comprehensively. Despite the defeats, the series was a learning experience for Bangladesh, who were still adjusting to the rigors of Test cricket.
2003: Pakistan’s dominance in ODIs
During the 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup, Pakistan again encountered Bangladesh and won the match in a one-sided manner. The matches during this period were one-sided, as Pakistan’s experienced players outclassed the relatively young Bangladeshi squad.
2010s: Bangladesh’s rise and competitive spirit
The 2010s marked a turning point in Bangladesh’s cricketing journey. With a strong domestic system and talented players emerging, they began to challenge established teams, including Pakistan.
Asia Cup 2012
The final of the 2012 Asia Cup was between Pakistan and Bangladesh. Despite a valiant effort, Bangladesh were beaten by just two runs in the match held in Dhaka. The game highlighted Bangladesh’s growing competitiveness and resilience.
2015: A historic series
Bangladesh whitewashed Pakistan in a three-match ODI series in April 2015, making it its first-ever ODI series win over Pakistan. The balance of power had now shifted towards Bangladesh, and it was soon to feature emerging Bangladeshi stars like Tamim Iqbal and Soumya Sarkar playing a crucial role in these wins.
2016 T20 World Cup
Pakistan and Bangladesh locked horns in the group stage of the ICC T20 World Cup 2016. Pakistan won undoubtedly, but the match showed how intense the rivalry was and how unpredictable T20 cricket can be.
2020: Close encounters and constant rivalry.
The rivalry between Pakistan and Bangladesh is increasing, and both teams have provided thrilling contests in all formats.
2021 ICC T20 World Cup
Although placed in different groups in the 2021 T20 World Cup, the teams’ performance during the tournament proved to be very potential. Though the two did not compete with each other in this season, they would often face each other in other tournaments and keep their rivalry fresh.
Asia Cup 2022
Pakistan and Bangladesh locked horns in the group stages of the 2022 Asia Cup. Pakistan proved their strength in batting and bowling to win this match. This was yet another match that reminded people of how unpredictable their games are, and Bangladesh usually is a tough opponent for them.
2023 ODI Series
Pakistan looked the very epitome of consistency in the 50-over format during the recent ODI series in 2023, but Bangladesh’s fighting spirit and ability to punch above their weight ensured that the matches were competitive.
A number of players have etched their names in the history of the Pakistan-Bangladesh rivalry:
From Pakistan:
Inzamam-ul-Haq: He is a man known for match-winning performances. He has been instrumental in most of Pakistan’s victories.
Wasim Akram: His swinging bowling often proves too much for Bangladeshi batsmen.
Babar Azam: The modern-day great Babar has consistently performed against Bangladesh in all formats.
From Bangladesh:
Shakib Al Hasan: He is one of the greatest all-rounders, who has consistently performed against Pakistan.
Tamim Iqbal: His aggressive batting has often put pressure on Pakistan’s bowlers.
Mushfiqur Rahim: A reliable middle-order batsman, Mushfiqur has played several memorable innings against Pakistan.
Head-to-head stats
Test matches
Total matches played: 14
Pakistan wins: 11
Bangladesh wins: 2
Draws: 1
ODIs
Total matches played: 38
Pakistan wins: 32
Bangladesh wins: 6
T20 Internationals
Total matches played: 17
Pakistan wins: 15
Bangladesh wins: 2
Cultural and emotional connection
Beyond the lines of the cricketing contest, there are deeper emotions shared by Pakistan and Bangladesh. Shared in their history, every single game played has become an emotion-carrying, cultural one. Win over Pakistan would always mean so much for Bangladesh: their development, maturity, and more importantly independence. Pakistan sees playing Bangladesh as an opportunity to reinforce the status quo in their relationship, showing a respect towards the hard and strong fighting against them.
As both of them progress, the rivalry would become even fiercer. New stars and increasing focus on fitness and strategy are both Pakistan and Bangladesh preparing for potential tournaments in the future that include the ICC Cricket World Cup and Asia Cup.
The Pakistan-Bangladesh rivalry is a beautiful example of how cricket can unite and inspire the nations while also breeding healthy competition. As the people await the next installment in this rivalry, one thing is certain: the cricketing spirit will shine bright again.
This timeline of matches between Pakistan national cricket team vs bangladesh national cricket team timeline The cricket rivalry between Pakistan and Bangladesh has been nurtured with time tells the story of change, resilience, and the un-dying spirit of cricket. Bangla cricket’s journey has been from being an up-coming team to being the competitive team, while Pakistan became a cricketing giant of its time, this being a celebration of the common power of the game irrespective of whether it was some thrilling final over or completely dominating performance by the two teams on the field.
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