Shaheen names three ODI debutants for Bangladesh opener

The first ODI of the three-match series will be played tomorrow

Pakistan ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi has confirmed that the Men in Green will hand three players their One-Day International debuts in the opening match of the series against Bangladesh.

The first ODI of the three-match series will be played on Wednesday, 11 March, at the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Afridi said Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat and Shamyl Hussain will make their ODI debuts.

Farhan and Sadaqat are expected to open the batting for Pakistan, while Shamyl Hussain will slot in at number three.

“Sahibzada Farhan has been a top performer in T20 cricket and List A domestic cricket in Pakistan,” Afridi said. “Maaz Sadaqat will open alongside him and Shamyl Hussain will bat at one down. We hope they play their natural game and show their skills.”

The Pakistan captain said the team was excited to see the new players take their chance at international level.

Pakistan have opted for a fresh approach for the Bangladesh ODI series, leaving out several senior players including Babar Azam and Saim Ayub.

The squad includes six uncapped players: Abdul Samad, Maaz Sadaqat, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan and Shamyl Hussain.

Afridi believes some of the newcomers will benefit from their previous experience of playing in Bangladesh.

“Sahibzada has played in the Bangladesh Premier League, and Maaz has also played cricket here,” he said. “So it should feel like just another game for them. I hope they express themselves and play their best cricket.”

Afridi added that the final playing XI would be decided after the team’s final practice session, particularly considering the spin-friendly conditions in Dhaka.

The captain was asked about the possibility of including Saad Masood, given the nature of pitches at the Shere Bangla Stadium.

“Only eleven players can play,” Afridi said. “We will decide based on the team requirements and pitch conditions. After today’s practice session we will finalise the playing XI.”