Pakistan are wasting no time in looking ahead to the 2027 50-over World Cup, with fresh talent set to be tested in the upcoming One-day International series against Bangladesh.
Following a T20 World Cup campaign to forget, Pakistan are wasting no time in blooding new players. The three-match series against Bangladesh kicks off at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Wednesday.
Three Debutants Named for First ODI
Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi has confirmed that three players will make their ODI debuts in the first match against Bangladesh. Sahibzada Farhan and Maaz Sadaqat will open the batting, with Shamyl Hussain coming in at first drop.
Afridi said the decision to include the uncapped trio was about investing in the future. “We just want to give opportunities to our youngsters, as they are also our future,” said Afridi. “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.”
Pakistan Aim for Explosive Start
Sahibzada Farhan, who has already featured in the Pakistan T20 side, has a List A record of 2926 runs at an average of 41.80. Maaz Sadaqat was the fifth-highest run-scorer in the recent domestic one-day event, the President’s Cup, with 374 runs, striking them at a rate of 144.40.
Shamyl Hussain was third on the run-scorer’s list with 452 runs, striking at 118.32. The selection of the top three suggests Pakistan are looking for a fast start in the 50-over format.
Shaheen Shah Afridi hopes the debutants will embrace their natural game. “I hope they will play their own game and show their skills,” he noted. “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 attack will include Haris Rauf and Shaheen Shah Afridi, alongside spinners Abrar Ahmed and Faisal Akram, and bowling all-rounder Faheem Ashraf.
Bangladesh Look to Improve Middle Overs
Bangladesh will be aiming to improve their performance in the middle overs with both bat and ball. Litton Das and Afif Hossain have been recalled to bolster the middle order.
Bangladesh will also be relying on openers Saif Hassan and Soumya Sarkar to provide a quick start. Their bowling attack will be led by captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz, supported by pacers Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman, and leg-spinner Rishad Hossain.
- Bangladesh are considering using three quick bowlers.
Bangladesh coach Phil Simmons said pace would be key for the hosts. “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,” said Simmons.
Pakistan are looking to build towards the World Cup, giving opportunities to young players to showcase their abilities.