Pakistan's Stunning Batting Collapse Sets New Low in T20I History
Cricket fans in Mirpur witnessed a meltdown few could have scripted as Pakistan cricket endured its worst T20I batting performance against Bangladesh, tumbling to 110 all out in the series opener at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on July 20, 2025. Asked to bat first, Pakistan's hopes quickly gave way to chaos. Bangladesh, brimming with confidence after recent successes, showed just how well they understand their own turf by reducing the opposition to ruins.
Fakhar Zaman tried to anchor the innings with a brisk 44 off 34 balls, carving out six boundaries and launching one six. But as soon as he got run out, the innings spiraled. Early on, the wickets tumbled like dominos. Saim Ayub was gone for 6, Mohammad Haris followed for 4, and captain Salman Agha departed after scoring just three. At the eight-over mark, Pakistan had crumbled to 46 for 5. The pitch, slow and tricky, begged for patience, but the visiting batters looked all at sea against Bangladesh’s bowlers, who delivered canny cutters and found just enough swing to keep the batters second-guessing.
Bangladesh Bowlers Shine as Pakistan’s Weaknesses Exposed
Bangladesh’s bowlers, led by Mustafizur Rahman and his colleagues, seized their moment. Every change in bowling seemed to pay off, with tight lengths and subtle variations. This wasn’t just another match; for the first time in T20Is, Bangladesh took all ten Pakistan wickets. The tail offered no resistance as the lower order was swept aside, culminating in a limp finish at 110 all out in 20 overs—setting a new, unwanted record for Pakistan’s lowest T20 figure against this opponent, eclipsing their previous mark of 127 for 5 from 2021.
Chasing a modest target, Bangladesh’s batters wasted little time. They bypassed any hint of drama, coasting to 111 for 3 in just 15.3 overs. The routine chase was another notch in Bangladesh's belt after cruising past Sri Lanka in their previous series. The simplicity of their domination reflected a team on the rise, one increasingly comfortable dictating games, especially at home.
Pakistan, in contrast, looked short on answers. The absence of experienced heads like Umar Akmal only highlighted the fragility of their batting lineup. The loss wasn’t just a defeat; it called attention to the side’s worryingly thin middle order and the glaring lack of stability when under the pump. Moving forward in the series, their management faces tough questions on how to patch up a roster clearly wounded in both confidence and form.
The gap between these two sides in T20 cricket appears to be closing fast. Bangladesh has used home conditions and momentum to full effect, while Pakistan's batting, once a reliable force, finds itself in need of repair. With two more games to play, the spotlight will be firmly fixed on how Pakistan responds and whether Bangladesh can keep leaning into their newfound dominance.
