Alright buddy, grab a cup of chai we’re about to walk through one of the most captivating rivalries in Asian cricket: Bangladesh National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Timeline. Yep, it sounds like a mouthful, but trust me this rivalry has genuine stories, ups and downs, and enough drama to keep any cricket fan hooked.
Let’s be real: if someone told me a few decades back that Bangladesh would start giving Pakistan a run for their money, I probably would’ve raised an eyebrow maybe both. But that’s exactly what happened. So let’s unpack how this rivalry evolved, back from the early days to modern flair.
Contents
- 1 Why This Rivalry Matters
- 2 Early Encounters: The Formative Years
- 3 2000s: Pakistan Dominance For a While
- 4 First Big Moments of Respect: 2010s
- 5 Modern Days: Bangladesh Isn’t Here Just to Make Up Numbers
- 6 2025: A Landmark Year
- 7 Different Formats, Different Stories
- 8 Why This Rivalry Is So Intriguing
- 9 Looking Ahead: What Comes Next?
- 10 Wrapping It Up Let’s Recap the Key Timeline Highlights
- 11 Final Thought
Why This Rivalry Matters
Before we get into dates and scores, let me remind you why this matters. Pakistan used to be one of the fearsome sides in world cricket you know, fast bowlers steaming in, top order batters piling on runs. Bangladesh, meanwhile, was getting its footing in international cricket.
So every time these two meet? It’s a David vs Goliath vibe (at least initially). But cricket’s funny like that David keeps leveling up.
And that, my friend, is why this timeline isn’t just a list of matches it tells a story of growth, tension, and the occasional upset. Ready? Let’s go.
Early Encounters: The Formative Years
Let’s rewind to the late 1990s and early 2000s. Bangladesh was just beginning its international journey, and Pakistan was already a well established force.
1999: First Official ODI Clash
Believe it or not, the first meeting that made it into a timeline type match was in 1999 a one day international in the Meril Challenge Cup. It wasn’t a massive series, and Pakistan won that match comfortably. But for Bangladesh, it was an important first step into big league cricket.
This wasn’t a “headline rivalry” just yet more like a welcome to the table.
2000s: Pakistan Dominance For a While
Throughout most of the 2000s, Pakistan pretty much had the upper hand. Bangladesh was learning, battling nerves, and figuring out how to compete with seasoned sides.
Test Matches & Tours
There were multiple tours Bangladesh went to Pakistan in 2001–02 and again in 2003, facing Pakistan in both Tests and ODIs. Pakistan largely dominated these series, especially in Tests, where their experience showed.
But even amid losses, you began to see flashes of Bangladesh grit a little spark here, a tough chase there. It didn’t matter that Pakistan often came out on top; the timeline narrative was shifting.
First Big Moments of Respect: 2010s
By the 2010s, things got more competitive and honestly, way more interesting.
2011–12: Pakistan in Bangladesh
Pakistan toured Bangladesh and asserted dominance again, but the matches were closer. Bangladesh was no longer the clueless underdog.
These encounters also helped Bangladesh get that home grown confidence that every rising team needs. You could feel it in their batting, bowling, reactions even when they lost.
Modern Days: Bangladesh Isn’t Here Just to Make Up Numbers
Now let’s talk about the stuff that really spices up the timeline.
2025: A Landmark Year
Fast forward to 2025 this is where cricket lovers went from saying “Bangladesh’s trying hard” to “Wait… Bangladesh can win”. Seriously.
July 2025 T20 Series
In a three match T20I series played in Bangladesh in July 2025, things got real. Bangladesh won the first T20I convincingly. No fluke here: they chased down the target with cool heads, powered by Parvez Hossain Emon’s unbeaten 56 off 39 balls.
Then, in the second T20I, Bangladesh won again this time by 8 runs. That meant Bangladesh took the series 2-0 with one to go. And trust me, that sent waves through cricket circles because it was their first ever T20I series win over Pakistan.
And the timeline gets even better.
Mustafizur Rahman Makes History
In the very first match of that series, Mustafizur Rahman did something remarkable: he bowled Pakistan out in a T20I a first in their T20 history! That’s huge. It’s the kind of thing that makes you go “Oh wow… Bangladesh is not messing around.”
So, if your timeline stops at just “Pakistan vs Bangladesh matches,” you’ve gotta include July 2025 because that’s where the narrative shifts from “competitive rivalries” to “Bangladesh upstaging Pakistan.”
Different Formats, Different Stories
Now, keep in mind this rivalry isn’t just one dimension:
Tests
Pakistan historically dominated Tests. But Bangladesh’s performances began improving, and some matches turned into real nail biters. The timeline here shows a clear evolution from one sided affairs to more fighting contests.
ODIs
These matches have been scattered, but competitive. The 2012 Asia Cup final was a classic Pakistan edged Bangladesh by just 2 runs. That was heartbreak territory for Bangladesh, but it also showed they could challenge even in high stakes games.
T20Is
As we saw in 2025, this is where Bangladesh started taking real bites out of Pakistan’s game. The timeline here is dynamic and fun, with win-loss swings and unforgettable moments.
Why This Rivalry Is So Intriguing
Hey, ask yourself: what makes one rivalry better than another? Is it bad blood? Close matches? Upsets?
For Bangladesh vs Pakistan, I’d argue it’s the unexpected victories and evolving competitiveness. You didn’t always see Bangladesh winning, but when they started to, everyone took notice.
Here’s how I’d sum it up:
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Pakistan’s early dominance gave Bangladesh something to aspire to.
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Incremental improvements in the 2010s and early 2020s showed growth.
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The 2025 T20 series was the tipping point Bangladesh went from trying to win games to winning series.
Looking Ahead: What Comes Next?
So we’ve traced the timeline from past to present but where is this heading?
Honestly? I think this rivalry will get even tighter. Bangladesh now knows they can take Pakistan apart in T20s. Pakistan’s traditional strength still lies in variety and experience, but Bangladesh brings fire and fearless batsmanship.
Are we heading toward a future where Bangladesh consistently competes with Pakistan regardless of format? I wouldn’t be surprised. And frankly, that’s exciting.
Also Read: Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians Cricket Timeline
Wrapping It Up Let’s Recap the Key Timeline Highlights
Here’s the lowdown in bullet points (because concise + clear = best):
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1999: First official ODI clash between Bangladesh and Pakistan.
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2000s: Pakistan dominated most series; Bangladesh gained experience.
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2011–12: Pakistan tours Bangladesh matches more competitive.
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2012 Asia Cup Final: Pakistan wins narrowly over Bangladesh.
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July 2025 T20 Series: Bangladesh wins series 2-1 first ever T20I series win over Pakistan.
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Historic Bowling Feat: Mustafizur Rahman bowls out Pakistan in T20I first time in history.
Final Thought
Whether you’re a Stats geek or someone who just enjoys cricket banter, this Bangladesh vs Pakistan timeline has something for you. Upsets, milestones, heartbreaks, and breakthroughs it’s all in there. And trust me, we’re nowhere near done seeing new chapters.
So next time these two meet? Watch closely. Because from being occasional opponents, they’ve become real rivals. And I, for one, can’t wait to see what the next match adds to this timeline.
Feel free to ask if you want a visual or tabular version of this timeline it makes for a killer cricket reference sheet.

