Pakistan's defeat against Bangladesh (Source: @ICC/x.com)
Cricket is a sport that runs equally on stats and emotions. Since the game was invented to the present time, the intensity of cricket has often put two neighbours into a duel as the cricket fraternity enjoyed some classic action.
Once part of the same nation, Pakistan and Bangladesh now clash fiercely on the cricket field, delivering unforgettable battles. But the first time Bangladesh shocked the world by defeating Pakistan remains unforgettable. Let’s revisit the match.
World Cup stage proves to be a game-changer for the Tigers
Despite football being a popular sport in Bangladesh, Cricket was a late bloomer in the nation. In 1986, the Tigers faced Pakistan in their first-ever ODI clash- a clash that sparked a rivalry full of thrills. Yet, little did Bangladeshi fans know, it would take 13 long years before their team could finally claim a historic victory over Pakistan on the international stage.
In the 1999 ODI World Cup, Pakistan was having a dream run, being unbeaten initially in the tournament. But Bangladesh emerged as the unexpected spoiler, cracking the Men in Green’s armor and proving to be a surprising thorn in their otherwise flawless campaign.
Both sides met each other on the big stage in the 29th clash. Batting first, the Tigers faced an early setback as Saqlain Mushtaq removed Mehrab Hossain and Shahriar Hossain early on. But captain Aminul Islam steadied the ship, crafting a vital 50-run partnership with Akram Khan to keep the Tigers in the hunt.
After their dismissal, the Tigers couldn’t convert small stands into impactful partnerships. But their grit proved hatred for Pakistan as they put on a total of 223 runs and challenged the Men in Green.
Bangladesh’s bowlers surprise Pakistan with unconventional attack
Pakistan seemed poised to chase down the modest target, but the Tigers had a surprise in store. Yes, Bangladesh’s bowling department flipped the script with their brilliance. As Saeed Anwar and Shahid Afridi came to open the innings, Khaled Mahmud sent Afridi back in the very first over, and that was a massive shock for the Men in Green.
Soon after that, Shafiuddin Ahmed dismissed Ijaz Ahmed on a duck. Facing consecutive blows, Pakistan failed to stitch any game-changing partnerships in front of the Tigers’ lethal bowling.
Khaled Mahmud starred with three crucial wickets, helping bowl Pakistan out for just 161. The Tigers celebrated a historic triumph, claiming their first-ever international victory over Pakistan by 62 runs.
Statistically, Pakistan has dominated their clashes with Bangladesh, but the Tigers’ first historic win remains unforgettable. As both are sharpening their weapons ahead of facing each other in the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup 2025, the first victory can be an inspiration for the Tigers.
