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

As one of the four winless teams so far, Pakistan find themselves in desperate need for a turnaround. Their next opponent, Bangladesh, started on the right note against the Netherlands but were blanked by Australia. This leaves both teams in must-win territory.

The two teams haven't faced each other in the format for the better part of three years: the track record firmly leans towards Pakistan, 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 falling in clusters. Against Australia, the top order was blown away, reduced to 27/5, eventually limping to 77/8 in 20 overs. Before that, they went from 67/0 to 85/4 against the Netherlands, but still managed to seal their first-ever chase in a T20 World Cup.

Pakistan were beaten comprehensively by India, but ran South Africa close, allowing them to recover from a middle-order stutter. Poor catching and fielding fumbles worsened the situation. Umaid Asif, their fast-bowling coach, insisted that the team's focus for the past five months has been on fielding, but also admitted that the team couldn't cope well with the pressure. A lot rests on the shoulders of skipper Fatima Sana, who leads their 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. It's set to be cloudy but without the threat of rain, with temperatures hovering in the early 20s Celsius and a gentle breeze to accompany it.

Team news

Pakistan: The captain was struck on her knee before the India fixture, but recovered well to play both games without any obvious discomfort. Sana's batting position is in question though: having hit a fifty from No.8 against South Africa, there's debate whether she should be batting up the order.

Against SA, they brought in Iram Javed and Tuba Hasan for Saira Jabeen and Tasmia Rubab, but might consider keeping 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: Bangladesh introduced an off-spinner to counter South Africa's three left-handed batters, but the same might not be needed against Pakistan, which could tempt them to 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

Did you know

- Bangladesh and Pakistan have faced off exactly once before in T20 World Cups - the 2016 edition - where Bangladesh lost by nine wickets

- Pakistan have not won more than one game at any T20 World Cup since the 2016 edition

- The last time Pakistan won a T20I on English soil was back in 2013

What they said:

"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 as we planned. But 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 for us and it actually 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. And I guess as a team we have that possibility, so we're looking forward to that" - Nigar Sultana Joty after their loss to Australia.