Shaheen Afridi Confirms Three ODI Debutants for Pakistan vs Bangladesh Series

Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi confirmed that the Green Shirts will field three debutants in the opening ODI of the three-match series against Bangladesh on Wednesday, March 11. Senior players like Babar Azam and Saim Ayub have been rested for the series, giving opportunities to emerging talent.

The Pakistan squad includes six uncapped players: Abdul Samad, Maaz Sadaqat, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan, and Shamyl Hussain. Afridi revealed that Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, and Shamyl Hussain will make their international ODI debuts.

“Sahibzada [Farhan] of course has been a top performer in T20Is as well as List A domestic cricket in Pakistan. Maaz Sadaqat will also open the innings, and Shamyl Hussain will bat at one down,” Afridi said.

“I hope that they play their own [natural] game and show their skills. We, as a team, are very excited to see them play.”

Team Strategy and Conditions

Afridi highlighted that familiarity with local conditions could benefit the debutants. “Sahibzada has played in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), and Maaz has also played here. So it should feel like just another game for them. I hope they play their best cricket and express themselves,” he added.

When asked about the bowling combination and the potential inclusion of Saad Masood for the spin-friendly Dhaka pitch, Afridi stated, “Only 11 players can play, so we will decide according to the team requirement and pitch conditions. We have one more practice session today, after which the final playing XI will be announced.”

With a mix of experience and fresh talent, Pakistan aims to make a strong start in the first ODI and set the tone for the series. The inclusion of debutants is expected to bring energy and new dynamics to the team, especially in challenging Dhaka conditions.