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Taskin Ahmed In, No Place For Mehidy Miraz: Bangladesh's Probable XI For 1st T20I Vs PAK

Anurag Dasgupta

Bangladesh probable XI [Source: @BCBtigers/x.com] Bangladesh probable XI [Source: @BCBtigers/x.com]

The stage is set for reverse fixtures as Bangladesh will take on Pakistan in a 3-match T20I series, commencing on July 20. The two teams collided in Pakistan, a few months ago, when the hosts decimated the Tigers to capture the series and the Bangladesh team will be eager for revenge on their neighbours.

The Bangladesh side recently defeated Sri Lanka in the T20I series and the Litton Das led side will be oozing with confidence as they take on their arch-rivals, Pakistan. The Tigers have a young squad and will look to continue the momentum in the 3-game series. Ahead of the first T20I in Dhaka, we look at their probable XI which could cause trouble to Pakistan.

Bangladesh's probable XI for 1st T20I

Strong top order with Litton Das at 3

Bangladesh batting looked quite settled in the Sri Lanka T20Is and one major aspect was their brilliant top 3 - Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanzid Hasan Tamim and skipper Litton Das. The trio brings an extra flair of attacking brand of cricket and Bangladesh will likely to persist with the same top 3 which helped their team defeat Sri Lanka.

Litton has found home at number 3 and will look to be the chief aggressor as the Tigers aim to rattle Pakistan.

No place for Mehidy Hasan Miraz?

  • In recent times, Bangladesh's superstar player, Mehidy Hasan Miraz has looked out of touch and was also dropped from the playing XI Vs Sri Lanka. Despite being a terrific player, his numbers have dropped down significantly.
Criterion
Data
Matches4
Runs54
Batting average
13.50
Wickets taken4

(Mehidy T20I stats in 2025)

  • The year 2025 has been a bit harsh for the all-rounder as he finds himself in deep water. Bangladesh have won matches without him and they will persist the likes of Mahedi Hasan in his place as he performed exceedingly well Vs Sri Lanka

Weak middle order lineup for the Tigers

  • Jaker Ali, Towhid Hridoy, and Shamim Hossain will form the middle order and it looks weak on paper. T20 cricket requires power-hitting and the trio look weak in that aspect.
Criterion
Jaker Ali
Shamim Hossain
Towhid Hridoy
Strike rate127.55130.43127.24

(T20I strike rates)

  • As stated in the table, the duo have a strike rate of 127, 130, and 127 respectively and Pakistan could exploit that weakness. The three players have lacked the cutting-edge in the middle order and this is one area where Bangladesh have no solid options.

Taskin Ahmed to replace Shoriful Islam

Bangladesh's ace pacer, Taskin Ahmed was given a rest by the team in Sri Lanka T20Is but the pacer should be back in the playing XI against a strong Pakistan team. Shoriful was expensive in the last game against Sri Lanka (conceded 50 runs) and he should make the way out for Taskin.

Why Taskin in the playing XI?

  • His experience of playing against Pakistan will be useful as the pacer has played 9 games against the Men in Green and knows their strengths and weaknesses which he can exploit.
  • Plus, he is a better overall bowler as compared to Shoriful and has 82 wickets in the T20I format. Moreover, he is a master of swing bowling and could be the one to exploit Pakistan's vulnerable top order.

Bangladesh probable XI Vs Pakistan

Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Parvez Hossain Emon, Litton Das (c & wk), Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman