Bangladesh and Pakistan kick off their three-match ODI series today at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka, marking a fresh start for both sides after recent upheavals. This opener carries real weight as both teams look to rebuild momentum ahead of a busy international calendar.
The historic Shere Bangla pitch typically favors spinners, with its slow surface making strokeplay tough as the game wears on—teams often prefer batting first after winning the toss. Weather in Dhaka today looks dicey, with highs of 32°C, scattered thunderstorms (60% rain chance early), high humidity around 59%, and lighter winds—though it clears up later with just 20% precipitation risk.
This bilateral showdown feels like a reset button post-T20 World Cup disappointments for both. Bangladesh skipped the tournament amid political issues and returns after a three-month break, desperate to end a string of poor series results. Pakistan, stung by a Super 8 exit, has revamped with six uncapped players, dropping big names like Babar Azam after his lean T20WC showing (91 runs at 22.75 avg). A strong start here could boost confidence, especially with captains Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Shaheen Shah Afridi eyeing leadership credentials—Miraz boasts a stellar 43.92 bowling average as skipper.
Bangladesh heads in with mixed vibes: they stunned West Indies 2-1 at this venue in October 2025 (including a 179-run thrashing, Rishad Hossain grabbing 12 wickets), but got whitewashed 3-0 by Afghanistan earlier. Their last five ODIs read WLWLL, highlighting middle-order fragility.
Pakistan arrives hotter, having swept Sri Lanka 3-0 in November 2025 and edged South Africa 2-1—form guide WWWWL. Yet, their T20WC struggles exposed pace vulnerabilities, and they’re adapting to a youth-heavy lineup on spin-friendly turf.
PAK vs BAN Match Details
Match: Bangladesh vs Pakistan, 1st ODI (Pakistan tour of Bangladesh, 3 ODIs, 2026)
Date: Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Time: 1:15 PM Local (13:45 IST)
Venue: Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur, Dhaka
PAK vs BAN 2026 Live Streaming Info
Live Streaming Channels for Bangladesh vs Pakistan 1st ODI (March 11, 2026)
In India: No TV broadcast; stream exclusively on FanCode app/website (subscription required).
In Pakistan: Watch on PTV Sports (TV), Tamasha app (free stream), Geo Super, and Tapmad.
In Bangladesh: iScreen or GTV for broadcast; Rabbitholebd app for streaming.
How to Watch the Match for Free:
Live Streaming Info:
The PAK vs BAN 1st ODI Match will be live on PTV Sports.
Live Score Info:
Pakistan vs Bangladesh 2026: All matches on ESPN and Cricbuzz have live scores.
Head-to-Head
Pakistan dominates historically, winning 34 of 39 ODIs against Bangladesh’s 5. Last five meetings (all ODIs): Pakistan won four (7 wkts Oct 2023, 7 wkts Sep 2023, 94 runs Jul 2019, close margins earlier), with Bangladesh’s last win in 2018 (37 runs, Abu Dhabi). Bangladesh did sweep Pakistan 3-0 in their last home ODI series, though.
Bangladesh Analysis
Strengths lie in a potent spin attack—Rishad Hossain (Player of the Series vs WI), Mehidy Miraz, and Tanvir Islam could exploit the slow pitch—bolstered by cutters like Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman. Weaknesses? Batting collapses in the middle, prompting returns for Litton Das (gloves at No.5, spin-killer but out-of-form since 2023) and Afif Hossain (first ODI since Dec 2024). Soumya Sarkar (91 vs WI) and openers must fire; captain Miraz’s all-round nous is key amid injuries to Hasan Mahmud and Tanzim Hasan.
Probable XI: Saif Hassan, Soumya Sarkar, Towhid Hridoy, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Das (wk), Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (capt), Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman
Pakistan Analysis
The visitors bank on pace firepower: Shaheen Afridi (chasing a third straight series win as captain), Haris Rauf (if picked over Faisal Akram), and Mohammad Wasim, with Abrar Ahmed as lone experienced spinner. Top-order inexperience is the Achilles’ heel—debutants Sahibzada Farhan (T20WC top-scorer, 40+ List A avg), Shamyl Hussain, Maaz Sadaqat lead, relying on Rizwan and Salman Agha for glue. Hussain Talat and Abdul Samad add middle-order muscle; Fakhar Zaman’s out with injury rehab. Shaheen must strike early to counter Bangladesh’s home edge.
Probable XI: Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, Shamyl Hussain, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Agha, Hussain Talat, Abdul Samad, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi (capt), Mohammad Wasim, Abrar Ahmed
Key Talking Points
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Debut frenzy: Pakistan’s top-three newbies vs Bangladesh’s spin web—can Farhan’s aggression thrive on a sluggish track?
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Captains under spotlight: Miraz’s morale boost post-T20WC absence; Shaheen’s economy after a pricey T20WC (10.52 RPO).
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Venue quirks: 84% spin overs in last series here (WI bowled 50 straight once); unseasonal rain a wildcard.
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Home haunt: Bangladesh’s last home ODI series win over Pak was a clean sweep—momentum shift possible?
Pakistan’s superior recent form, pace depth, and historical edge give them a slight nod, but the spin-friendly pitch and Bangladesh’s home bowling nous could level it. Expect a low-scoring thriller—Pakistan to edge it by 20-30 runs if batting first, or chase comfortably if Shaheen runs riot.