Winless Pakistan, faltering Bangladesh face off with little room for error

As one of the four winless teams so far, Pakistan need a turnaround. Bangladesh started well against the Netherlands but were blanked by Australia. Both teams are in must-win territory.

The two teams haven't faced each other in this format for nearly three years. Pakistan lead the head-to-head with four losses in 20 games, but three of those came in their last four matches against Bangladesh, who also won the Global Qualifiers this year.

Bowling remains Bangladesh's stronger suit, even as their batters keep collapsing. Against Australia, the top order was blown away, reduced to 27/5, eventually limping to 77/8. Before that, they went from 67/0 to 85/4 against the Netherlands but still sealed their first-ever chase in a T20 World Cup.

Pakistan were beaten comprehensively by India but ran South Africa close, recovering from a middle-order stutter. Poor catching and fielding worsened the situation. A lot rests on skipper Fatima Sana, who leads both runs and wickets columns so far.

When: June 20, 2026 at 7 PM IST/2:30 PM local

Where: The Rose Bowl, Southampton

What to expect: Aside from the low-scoring England-Ireland game, both teams crossed 150 in the two previous games at the venue. All three games were won by chasing sides. Cloudy but no rain threat, temperatures in the early 20s Celsius with a gentle breeze.

Pakistan: The captain was struck on her knee before the India fixture but played both games without discomfort. Sana's batting position is in question – after a fifty from No.8 against South Africa, there's debate whether she should bat higher.

Against SA, they brought in Iram Javed and Tuba Hasan for Saira Jabeen and Tasmia Rubab, but might consider an extra seamer against Bangladesh.

Probable XI: Muneeba Ali (WK), Gull Feroza, Ayesha Zafar, Iram Javed, Natalia Pervaiz, Fatima Sana (C), Aliya Riaz, Rameen Shamim, Tuba Hassan/Saira Jabeen/Tasmia Rubab, Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal

Bangladesh: Introduced an off-spinner to counter South Africa's left-handers, but the same might not be needed against Pakistan, which could bring back Fariha Trisna.

Probable XI: Dilara Akter, Juairiya Ferdous, Sharmin Akhter, Nigar Sultana (WK, C), Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Rabeya Khan, Marufa Akter, Nahida Akter/Shanjida Akter, Sultana Khatun/Fariha Trisna

• Bangladesh and Pakistan have faced off once before in T20 World Cups – the 2016 edition – Bangladesh lost by nine wickets
• Pakistan have not won more than one game at any T20 World Cup since 2016
• Pakistan's last T20I win on English soil was in 2013

"Look, there's a plan about it. Whenever she's scored, she's scored at number 7 or 8. We tried her at the top of the order, but that didn't go well. I think she knows her role, that's why she's executing it well." – Umaid Asif, Pakistan fast-bowling coach, on Fatima Sana batting at No.8

"The way we started the tournament, it was a good win and gave us momentum, but we couldn't go through with that. The next match is against Pakistan, so we really hope we can bounce back. As a team we have that possibility, so we're looking forward to that." – Nigar Sultana Joty after their loss to Australia