When Bangladesh and Pakistan meet on a cricket field, the scoreline rarely tells the whole story. The March 2026 ODI series proved exactly that — three matches in Dhaka produced drama, dominant individual performances, and results that defied the broader head-to-head record.

1st ODI: Bangladesh won by 8 wickets (Mar 11) · Series Result: Bangladesh 2-1 Pakistan · Next Fixtures: Test matches starting May 8, 2026

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • Bangladesh beat Pakistan 2-1 in the March 2026 ODI series (Wikipedia)
  • Tanzid Hasan scored 67* in 1st ODI and 107 in 3rd ODI (Wikipedia)
  • Pakistan leads overall ODI H2H 34-5 in 39 matches (WPLeague)
2What’s unclear
  • Exact squads for May 2026 Test series not yet announced
  • Whether Babar Azam returns for the Tests after being dropped from the ODI squad
  • Final date for the Sylhet Test — only May 8 Mirpur start confirmed
3Timeline signal
  • May 2026: ODIs in Dhaka (series complete)
  • May 3, 2026: Pakistan arrives for Tests
  • May 8, 2026: 1st Test starts in Mirpur
4What’s next
  • Two-match Test series in May 2026 (ICC WTC)
  • Pakistan’s first Test tour to Bangladesh since the 2002 series
  • Bangladesh then faces Australia in June 2026
Key detail Value
Series venue Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Mirpur, Dhaka
Pakistan arrival March 9, 2026
1st ODI March 11, 2026
2nd ODI March 13, 2026
3rd ODI March 15, 2026
Nahid Rana (BAN) 5/24 in 1st ODI
Salman Ali Agha (PAK) 106 in 3rd ODI
1st Test start May 8, 2026, Mirpur
Head-to-head (ODIs) Pakistan leads 34-5 in 39 matches

Bangladesh’s May 2026 ODI Series Victory

Bangladesh sealed the three-match ODI series 2-1 against Pakistan, with the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka hosting all fixtures from March 11 to March 15, 2026. The series, officially named the Dutch-Bangla Bank BAN vs PAK ODI Series 2026, marked Pakistan’s first ODI tour to Bangladesh since 2015. Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi led his side, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz captained Bangladesh.

The 1st ODI on March 11 saw Bangladesh chase down Pakistan’s 114 all out in just 15.1 overs, winning by 8 wickets. Nahid Rana delivered a match-winning spell of 5/24 for Bangladesh, while Tanzid Hasan scored an unbeaten 67 to anchor the chase. Faheem Ashraf top-scored for Pakistan with 37. Pakistan’s batting collapse was decisive — they lost their last 7 wickets for just 24 runs after being positioned at a more competitive score earlier in the innings.

The catch

Bangladesh’s 8-wicket win in 15.1 overs was their fastest successful chase against Pakistan in recent memory. The surface at Mirpur offered turn from the start, punishing Pakistan’s aggressive top order that failed to adapt to the conditions.

The 2nd ODI on March 13 gave Pakistan a commanding victory, with the visitors posting 274 all out and dismissing Bangladesh for 114 inside 24 overs — Pakistan won by 160 runs. Pakistan’s bowlers, led by their pace attack, exploited the same spin-friendly conditions that had troubled them two days earlier. The comprehensive nature of the win suggested Pakistan had recalibrated their approach — but the series remained level at 1-1.

The 3rd ODI on March 15 proved decisive. Bangladesh posted 290/5 in their 50 overs, with Tanzid Hasan scoring a century (107) at the top of the order. Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha responded with 106, but the target proved beyond them as they finished 279 all out — 11 runs short. Haris Rauf took 3/52 for Pakistan, while Taskin Ahmed claimed 4/49 for Bangladesh. The result gave Bangladesh their first bilateral ODI series win against Pakistan in over a decade.

Why this matters

The series win reinforced Bangladesh’s home dominance at Mirpur. The last time these teams played ODIs in Bangladesh (2015), Bangladesh completed a 3-0 whitewash — and despite the 2026 series going to a decider, the pattern held.

Bangladesh’s Home Advantage at Mirpur

The Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium has become Bangladesh’s fortress in ODIs against Pakistan. All three matches in the 2026 series were day/night fixtures starting at 2:15 PM local time, with dew factor potentially affecting the second innings. Bangladesh’s spinners exploited the traditionally turn-friendly surface, while Pakistan struggled to build momentum with the bat.

Pakistan’s Recent Form and Selection Decisions

Before the Bangladesh series, Pakistan had won their previous two ODI series — 2-1 against South Africa and 2-0 against Sri Lanka. However, the Dubai-based conditions of those matches differed significantly from the spin-heavy pitches of Dhaka. Babar Azam was notably dropped from the Pakistan ODI squad for the 2026 tour, creating a significant void in the batting lineup. Salman Ali Agha’s century in the series-decider suggested he could be a long-term middle-order option, though questions remain about Pakistan’s top-order composition for the upcoming Tests.

Pakistan exited the T20 World Cup 2026 in the Super 8 stage with just one win, according to Crex. The March ODIs thus served as a reset opportunity for Shaheen Shah Afridi’s side, even as the series result added pressure heading into the Test assignment.

Head-to-Head History: Pakistan’s Overall Dominance

Despite Bangladesh’s 2026 series win, Pakistan maintains a commanding overall record in ODIs — winning 34 of 39 encounters against Bangladesh, per WPLeague. The gap narrows considerably in Bangladesh, however, where the home side has consistently outperformed their overall record. The 2015 home series sweep (3-0) and the 2026 series win demonstrate how venue and conditions level the playing field.

In Test cricket, Pakistan won both matches during their 2002 tour of Bangladesh — an innings victory at Dhaka (January 9-13) and a 9-wicket win at Chittagong (January 16-20). Pakistan scored 490/9 declared in the first Test against Bangladesh’s 160 and 152. The May 2026 Tests will be the first Test matches between the nations since that 2002 tour.

Upcoming Test Series in May 2026

Pakistan is scheduled to return to Bangladesh in May 2026 for a two-match Test series, part of the 2025-2027 ICC World Test Championship. According to Wikipedia, the 1st Test starts May 8 at Mirpur, with Pakistan arriving on May 3 for preparation. The 2nd Test is slated for Sylhet, though the exact date has not yet been confirmed.

For Pakistan, the Tests offer an opportunity to reclaim momentum after the ODI series defeat and build toward the ICC ODI World Cup 2027. The squad composition remains uncertain, particularly regarding Babar Azam’s potential return and the balance between spin and pace options on Bangladesh’s turning tracks.

What to watch

Watch whether Pakistan fields a spin-heavy attack for the May Tests. Their 2026 ODI struggles at Mirpur suggest their current pace-bowling combination needs rethinking for subcontinental conditions.

Bangladesh’s Packed 2026 Schedule

After completing the ODIs and Tests against Pakistan, Bangladesh faces a quick turnaround for a home series against Australia in June 2026. According to BDCricTime, Bangladesh’s calendar includes both ODI and T20I fixtures against Australia following the Pakistan series. The ODI series against Pakistan served as preparation for the ICC ODI World Cup 2027, with matches carrying official status for ranking points.

Cricket Timeline: Pakistan vs Bangladesh

Date Event
February 27, 2025 Match abandoned without a ball bowled
March 9, 2026 Pakistan arrives in Dhaka for ODI series
March 11, 2026 1st ODI: Bangladesh wins by 8 wickets
March 13, 2026 2nd ODI: Pakistan wins by 160 runs
March 15, 2026 3rd ODI: Bangladesh wins by 11 runs (series 2-1)
May 3, 2026 Pakistan arrives in Bangladesh for Test series
May 8, 2026 1st Test starts at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur
TBD 2026 2nd Test at Sylhet (date not confirmed)

Confirmed

  • March 2026 ODI dates from ESPNcricinfo via Wikipedia
  • May 8, 2026 Test start date from BDCricTime
  • Bangladesh won series 2-1 with confirmed scores
  • Tanzid Hasan’s centuries (67*, 107) from match records

Unclear

  • Exact Sylhet Test date not specified
  • Final squads for Test series not announced
  • Babar Azam’s potential return unconfirmed
  • Captaincy for Tests: Shaheen Afridi vs Salman Ali Agha reports conflict

Expert Perspectives

“This bilateral series is part of the ICC international cricket calendar for 2026.”

— Tapmad Blog (Cricket Analyst)

“Bangladesh know how to win at Mirpur. They swept Pakistan 3-0 the last time these teams played ODIs in Bangladesh back in 2015.”

— WPLeague (Cricket Site)

The pattern is clear: when Pakistan tours Bangladesh, expect spin-friendly conditions, competitive cricket, and results that defy the broader head-to-head record. The May 2026 Tests will test whether Pakistan has learned from its ODI struggles or if Bangladesh’s home dominance continues.

Related reading: Sheffield Wednesday F.C. fixtures

Additional sources

tapmad.com, youtube.com

While Bangladesh claimed a recent 2-1 ODI series win, Pakistan’s commanding 34-5 head-to-head records underscore the rivalry’s rich history ahead of May Tests.

Frequently asked questions

When is the next Pakistan vs Bangladesh cricket match?

The next scheduled matches are the two Test matches in May 2026. The 1st Test starts May 8 at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka. The 2nd Test is planned for Sylhet, though the exact date has not yet been announced.

What were the results of the March 2026 PAK vs BAN ODIs?

Bangladesh won the series 2-1. The 1st ODI (March 11) went to Bangladesh by 8 wickets, the 2nd ODI (March 13) to Pakistan by 160 runs, and the 3rd ODI (March 15) to Bangladesh by 11 runs.

Where will the 2025-2026 Tests between Pakistan and Bangladesh be played?

The 1st Test is scheduled to start May 8, 2026, at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka. The 2nd Test will be held in Sylhet, though the match date remains unconfirmed.

What is the format of the Pakistan tour of Bangladesh 2026?

The March 2026 component featured three ODIs (completed, Bangladesh won 2-1). The May 2026 component includes two Test matches as part of the ICC World Test Championship.

Has Bangladesh ever won a bilateral series against Pakistan?

Yes. Bangladesh won the March 2026 ODI series 2-1 and previously swept Pakistan 3-0 in ODIs during the 2015 tour to Bangladesh. However, Pakistan leads the overall ODI head-to-head 34-5 in 39 matches.

What caused delays in recent Pakistan vs Bangladesh matches?

A match on February 27, 2025, was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to weather. The March 2026 ODIs proceeded on schedule with no significant delays reported.

Are T20 series planned between Pakistan and Bangladesh for 2026?

No T20I fixtures between Pakistan and Bangladesh have been confirmed as of the current schedule. Bangladesh’s post-ODI calendar includes a series against Australia in June 2026.