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The three-match T20I series between Pakistan and Bangladesh kicks off at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, with both teams eager to make a strong start. Pakistan, coming off mixed results in recent fixtures, will look to bounce back under the leadership of Salman Agha. Meanwhile, Bangladesh aim to reverse their form after a disappointing T20I campaign against UAE.
This will be a crucial contest for both sides as they prepare for bigger tournaments ahead. With key players returning and fresh faces stepping up, this match promises excitement. The pitch at Lahore favors batters, making it ideal for high-scoring encounters. Let’s dive into the team previews, fantasy insights, toss prediction, and more.
Match Details
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Match | Pakistan vs Bangladesh – T20I #1 |
| Date | April 3, 2025 |
| Venue | Gaddafi Cricket Stadium, Lahore |
| Time | 7:30 PM IST |
| Pitch Report | Batting-friendly, high scoring |
| Weather Forecast | Clear skies, light winds |
| Toss Prediction | Pakistan likely to win toss |
| Match Importance | Series opener, momentum builder |
Team Previews
Pakistan Preview
Pakistan have made some notable changes to their squad, with Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi rested for this series. Captain Salman Agha will lead the side, hoping to build a competitive unit that blends youth and experience.
Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman are expected to provide explosive starts at the top of the order. Salman himself has been reliable in middle-order roles and will anchor the innings. Mohammad Haris brings aggressive strokeplay behind the stumps, while Hasan Nawaz and Khushdil Shah offer depth in the batting lineup.
The bowling department remains strong with Haris Rauf and Hasan Ali leading the pace attack. Both bowlers bring experience and control, especially in death overs. Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan form a promising spin duo, capable of picking up early wickets and maintaining pressure during middle overs.
Although missing some big names, this squad still looks well-balanced and ready to take on Bangladesh. If the likes of Saim Ayub and Hasan Nawaz fire with the bat, and Rauf or Ahmed deliver impactful spells, Pakistan could set the tone for the series.
Predicted Playing XI:
Salman Agha (c), Mohammad Haris (wk), Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Irfan Khan, Khushdil Shah, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed
Bangladesh Preview
Bangladesh come into this series aiming to rebuild confidence after a poor run in recent T20Is. Despite losing to UAE in their last series, they remain a dangerous side when their top order clicks.
Litton Das leads from the front with the bat and will be crucial in setting the tempo. He’s supported by Najmul Hossain Shanto and Tanzid Hasan, who can rotate strike effectively. Towhid Hridoy and Mahedi Hasan add firepower lower down the order, though consistency remains an issue.
The bowling unit features experienced pacer Mustafizur Rahman and emerging talents like Hasan Mehmud and Nahid Rana. They’ll need to exploit any swing early on and maintain tight lines in the middle overs. Leg-spinner Rishad Hossain offers variation and could play a key role if the pitch slows down.
Bangladesh have struggled with discipline in death overs recently, which could prove costly against Pakistan’s aggressive hitters. However, if Litton and Shanto get them off to a good start and the bowlers hit their marks, Bangladesh have the potential to surprise the hosts.
Predicted Playing XI:
Litton Das (c & wk), Najmul Hossain Shanto, Tanzid Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Mahedi Hasan, Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali, Hasan Mehmud, Nahid Rana, Mustafizur Rahman, Rishad Hossain
Favourite Team to Win Today’s Match
| Team | Why |
|---|---|
| Pakistan | Pakistan hold a significant head-to-head advantage over Bangladesh in T20Is and are playing at home. Their batting lineup, led by Saim Ayub and Salman Agha, has shown strong form. The bowling attack is balanced and capable of delivering under pressure. While Bangladesh have potential, they lack consistency and are yet to find rhythm. Given the conditions, familiarity with the venue, and stronger squad depth, Pakistan appear slightly favored to start the series on a winning note. |
Fantasy Team XI
| Player | Team | Role | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fakhar Zaman | PAK | Batter | Explosive opener |
| Saim Ayub | PAK | Batter | In-form batter |
| Litton Das | BAN | Batter (VC) | Key player |
| Najmul Hossain Shanto | BAN | Batter | Reliable middle order |
| Hasan Nawaz | PAK | All-Rounder | Wicket-taking threat |
| Shadab Khan | PAK | Bowler/All-rounder | Impact performer |
| Haris Rauf | PAK | Bowler (C) | Must-have pacer |
| Abrar Ahmed | PAK | Bowler | Spin option |
| Mustafizur Rahman | BAN | Bowler | Control and variations |
| Hasan Mehmud | BAN | Bowler | Young pacer |
| Rishad Hossain | BAN | Bowler | Leg-spin threat |
| Impact Players | |||
| Khushdil Shah | PAK | Batter | Finisher |
| Mahedi Hasan | BAN | All-Rounder | Lower-order punch |
Explanation
This fantasy XI combines top performers from both teams. Haris Rauf is a must-have due to his pace and yorker skills. Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman offer explosive starts, while Shadab Khan and Abrar Ahmed provide wicket-taking ability. Litton Das and Najmul Shanto bring batting stability, and Mustafizur Rahman adds variety with his left-arm seam.
Captain & Vice-Captain Suggestions
- Captain: Haris Rauf (PAK) – Fast bowler with proven record in death overs; high impact.
- Vice-Captain: Saim Ayub (PAK) – Form player, explosive opener with big-hitting ability.
Players to Avoid in Fantasy Teams
- Towhid Hridoy (BAN) – Lacks consistency with both bat and ball.
- Jaker Ali (BAN) – Struggles to contribute meaningfully in limited opportunities.
Pitch Report
Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore has historically been a batting paradise, offering true bounce and minimal turn for spinners. Batsmen can target the short boundaries and score freely once set. Pacers can extract some movement early on, but dew may assist them later in the game. Chasing appears favorable due to flat tracks and small dimensions.
Expected Score Range: 160–200
Toss Prediction
Pakistan is likely to win the toss , being the host nation. Considering the nature of the pitch and previous trends at Lahore, the team winning the toss is expected to opt to bat first .
Winner Prediction
Pakistan enter this match as favorites based on historical dominance, home advantage, and better recent performances. Their balanced squad and form players give them an edge over a struggling Bangladesh side. However, Bangladesh cannot be ruled out entirely — if their top order fires and bowlers stay disciplined, they can challenge Pakistan.
Prediction: Pakistan to win by 8–10 wickets or 30+ runs.
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