Pakistan have turned their attention to next year’s 50-over World Cup after a disappointing T20 World Cup campaign. The focus is now on testing fresh talent, starting with the three-match One-day International series against Bangladesh at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium from Wednesday.
Debutants Named for First ODI
Three players are set to make their ODI debuts in the first match: Sahibzada Farhan and Maaz Sadaqat as openers, and Shamyl Hussain as first drop. Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi confirmed the news, stating the team wants to give opportunities to youngsters who are considered the future of Pakistan cricket.
“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, who leads the side in his third series.
Sahibzada Farhan, earned his selection after being the highest run-scorer at the T20 World Cup. Maaz Sadaqat and Shamyl Hussain have impressed in domestic cricket over the past couple of years.
Reasons Behind the Selections
Sahibzada has an impressive List A record, amassing 2926 runs at an average of 41.80. Maaz Sadaqat was the fifth-highest run-getter in the President’s Cup with 374 runs, and a striking strike rate of 144.40. Shamyl Hussain scored 452 runs, placing him third on the run-scorer’s list, striking at 118.32.
The selection of the top three suggests Pakistan are aiming for an explosive start with the bat in the 50-over format. Shaheen Afridi expressed his hope that the trio will play their natural game, adding, “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.”
Pakistan’s Potential Bowling Line-Up
Pakistan’s bowling attack is likely to include pacer Haris Rauf alongside Shaheen Afridi, spinners Abrar Ahmed and Faisal Akram, and bowling all-rounder Faheem Ashraf.
Bangladesh’s Strategy
Bangladesh will be aiming to improve their performance in the middle overs, both with batting and bowling. Litton Das and Afif Hossain are back in the side as part of a new middle-order combination. Bangladesh will be relying on openers Saif Hassan and Soumya Sarkar to provide a quick start.
The Bangladesh bowling attack will be led by captain and spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz, along with pacers Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman, and leg-spinner Rishad Hossain. Pace is expected to be a central focus for the hosts.
Bangladesh coach Phil Simmons said, “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.”
Shaheen believes the debutants know their role in what’s coming in the future for the World Cup.