Bangladesh vs Pakistan 2021-22

Twenty20 internationals (3): Bangladesh 0, Pakistan 3
Test matches (2): Bangladesh 0 (0pts), Pakistan 2 (24pts)

Spectators were admitted to Bangladeshi grounds for the first time since the pandemic began, but the national team failed to greet them with a return to form. They always seemed two steps behind Pakistan: the T20 games were as good as over each time Bangladesh's top order caved in, while Pakistan fought harder to win both Tests.

These were both teams' first outings after the T20 World Cup. Pakistan had just eight days between their semi-final defeat by Australia and the first game at Mirpur. Bangladesh, having already lost Shakib Al Hasan to a hamstring injury, controversially omitted Mushfiqur Rahim. Chief selector Minhazul Abedin insisted he was being rested; Mushfiqur said he had been dropped, and was summoned to a showdown with his board. Bangladesh were brushed aside in all three games.

On the morning of the First Test in Chittagong, a 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck neighbouring Myanmar; it was strong enough to shake the teams' hotel, and the players cowered in the corridor. A chemical factory next to the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium burned down, sending acrid smoke across the ground throughout the first day. Bangladesh's top order also collapsed, but were rescued by Mushfiqur and Liton Das, who scored his maiden Test hundred. Taijul Islam's seven wickets earned the hosts a lead, but Shaheen Shah Afridi's five-for kept Pakistan's target manageable, and Abid Ali helped chase it down.

The Second Test looked like being claimed by the rain, which forced Pakistan's first innings into the fourth afternoon. They declared on reaching 300, more in hope than with confidence, leaving themselves 116 overs to bowl Bangladesh out twice. Thanks to off-spinner Sajid Khan's 12 wickets, they pulled off a remarkable win in gathering gloom.