Pakistan is set to begin preparations for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup with a three-match One-Day International (ODI) series against Bangladesh in Dhaka. The series marks the start of a new rebuilding phase for the national side following a disappointing T20 World Cup campaign earlier this year.
The opening match of the series will take place at the Sher‑e‑Bangla National Cricket Stadium on March 11, followed by the second and third ODIs on March 13 and March 15, respectively. All matches will be day-night fixtures as both teams begin shaping their squads for the upcoming ICC tournaments.
Three Players Likely to Make Their ODI Debut
Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi confirmed that three young players could make their ODI debuts in the first match.
The debutants are expected to be:
- Sahibzada Farhan – opening batter
- Maaz Sadaqat – opening batter
- Shamyl Hussain – number three batter
Farhan and Maaz are likely to open the innings, while Shamyl will bat at the first drop. The team management hopes the young trio can bring aggressive top-order batting as Pakistan aims to adopt a more attacking approach in the 50-over format.
Strong Domestic Performances Earn Selection
The new players earned their spots through impressive domestic performances.
Farhan excelled in T20s and List-A cricket, scoring 2,926 runs at 41.80 average, showcasing his consistency in white-ball formats.
Meanwhile, Maaz Sadaqat impressed in the President’s Cup one-day tournament, finishing as the fifth-highest run-scorer with 374 runs while maintaining an outstanding strike rate of 144.40.
Shamyl Hussain also had a remarkable domestic season, scoring 452 runs and finishing third among the tournament’s top run-scorers, with a strike rate of 118.32.
These performances convinced selectors that the trio deserves an opportunity at the international level.
Pakistan Looking Toward the Future
Speaking before the series, captain Shaheen Afridi emphasized the importance of giving young players a chance to prove themselves as Pakistan prepares for the next ODI World Cup cycle.
“We just need to ready our team for the World Cup, and this is an opportunity for the youngsters to show their skills.” — Shaheen Shah Afridi
Pakistan’s Likely Bowling Attack
While new faces strengthen the batting lineup, Pakistan’s bowling unit will feature a mix of experience and youth.
The likely bowling combination includes:
- Haris Rauf
- Abrar Ahmed
- Faisal Akram
- Faheem Ashraf
These bowlers will support captain Shaheen Afridi in leading Pakistan’s attack during the series.
Bangladesh Also Testing New Combinations
The hosts, led by Mehidy Hasan Miraz, are also experimenting with their squad. Bangladesh will rely on experienced players such as Litton Das and Afif Hossain in the middle order.
Bangladesh’s bowling attack is expected to be led by pacers Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman, alongside talented leg-spinner Rishad Hossain. Bangladesh coach Phil Simmons said team will regularly field three fast bowlers to prepare for South Africa conditions in 2027.
Full Squads for the ODI Series
Pakistan Squad
Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Hussain Talat, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jr, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha, Shamyl Hussain.
Bangladesh Squad
Mehidy Hasan Miraz (captain), Afif Hossain, Litton Das, Mahidul Islam Bhuiyan, Mustafizur Rahman, Nahid Rana, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Rishad Hossain, Saif Hassan, Shoriful Islam, Soumya Sarkar, Tanvir Islam, Tanzid Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Tawhid Hridoy.
Conclusion
The Bangladesh ODI series represents the first step in Pakistan’s long-term planning for the 2027 Cricket World Cup. By introducing new players and experimenting with combinations, management aims to build a stronger, more dynamic Pakistan squad for future international tournaments. Farhan, Maaz, and Shamyl’s potential debuts could significantly influence Pakistan’s ODI lineup, shaping the team’s direction and strategy for the upcoming years.
