Bangladesh defeated Pakistan 2-1 to claim the three-match One Day International series, securing an 11-run victory in the final decider on March 15, 2026, at Dhaka’s Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. The series loss follows sweeping roster changes by the Pakistan Cricket Board, which prompted former captain Mohammad Rizwan to state that the selection committee is solely responsible for explaining the exclusion of key players.
The Pakistan Cricket Board announced a heavily revamped 15-member squad ahead of the white-ball tour, notably dropping senior cricket stars Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, and Saim Ayub. Fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi took over the ODI captaincy for the tour, leading a youthful squad that featured six uncapped players to build a foundation ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
Speaking to the media in Lahore, Rizwan addressed the roster overhaul in international sports by directing inquiries away from the locker room. “Only the selection committee can explain why some players are not included in the team,” Rizwan said.
Post-Match Media Conference: Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Bangladesh
Bangladesh 🆚 Pakistan | 3rd ODI | Dutch-Bangla Bank ODI Series 2026
SBNCS, Dhaka#BCB #Cricket #Bangladesh #Pakistan #ODI pic.twitter.com/588Z2iRM3W
— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) March 15, 2026
Despite the exclusions, Rizwan expressed confidence in the traveling squad prior to the series conclusion. He noted that several selected players possessed prior experience in Bangladesh. “We have players who have previously played in Bangladesh, and that experience will help the team perform better,” he stated.
Bangladesh ultimately clinched the final match following a maiden ODI century by opener Tanzid Hasan. The tour also featured a geopolitical and sporting debate during the second ODI, where Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz controversially ran out Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha after a dead-ball misunderstanding.
Acknowledging that Pakistan’s recent cricket performances have “declined” and are not up to standard, Rizwan emphasized the need for hard work and improvement across several areas. He highlighted the immense pressure and high public expectations that come with leading the national team.
“The expectations of the nation from the team are very high,” Rizwan said. “If we want better results, we have to give the players time.”