Pakistan are set to face Bangladesh in a three-match One-day International series at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium. The series starts on Wednesday. Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi confirmed that three players will make their debut in the first ODI.
New Faces in Pakistan’s Line-Up
Sahibzada Farhan and Maaz Sadaqat will open the batting, with Shamyl Hussain at first drop. Shaheen Shah Afridi said the team wants to give opportunities to youngsters. He added that the youngsters are the future of the team.
“We just need to ready our team for the World Cup, and that’s just an opportunity for the youngsters to go and show their skills,” said Afridi. Sahibzada Farhan has been given a chance to prove himself in the longer format after playing in the T20 side.
Maaz Sadaqat was the fifth highest run-getter in the President’s Cup with 374 runs. His strike rate of 144.40 was a standout feature. Shamyl Hussain was third on the run-scorer’s list with 452 runs, striking at 118.32.
Pakistan Aiming for Explosive Start
The selection of the top three suggests Pakistan want to start explosively with the bat in the 50-over format. Shaheen Shah Afridi hopes the trio will play their natural game. “I hope they will play their own game and show their skills,” he noted.
He added, “So we are also a team very excited to see them and play for Pakistan—not just for one series, but for the future as well. And I think when the time comes, they also know their role in what’s coming in the future for the World Cup.”
Pakistan’s likely bowling line-up includes Haris Rauf and Shaheen Shah Afridi, plus spinners Abrar Ahmed and Faisal Akram, and bowling all-rounder Faheem Ashraf.
Bangladesh’s Strategy and Line-up
Bangladesh will aim to improve their performance in the middle overs with both bat and ball. Litton Das and Afif Hossain are back in the side to bolster the middle order. Saif Hassan and Soumya Sarkar will be looked upon to provide a quick start.
The Bangladesh bowling attack will be led by captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz, along with Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman and Rishad Hossain. Bangladesh coach Phil Simmons said the plan is to play three quicks, with the World Cup in South Africa in mind.
“Yeah, it’s definitely the plan that we are going to try from now on to play three quicks because, as you say, the World Cup is in South Africa, and that’s the type of cricket we’ll be playing when we get down there,” Simmons said.
Pakistan are using the series to prepare their team for the World Cup.