DHAKA: Pakistan will begin preparations for the next 50-over World Cup with a three-match One-day International series against Bangladesh starting Wednesday in Dhaka.
The opening match will take place at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, where Pakistan plan to test several young players following their disappointing T20 World Cup campaign.
Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi confirmed on Tuesday that three players will make their ODI debuts. Sahibzada Farhan and Maaz Sadaqat are expected to open the batting, while Shamyl Hussain will bat at number three.
“We just want to give opportunities to our youngsters, as they are also our future,” Afridi said ahead of the match. He added that the series offers young players a chance to showcase their ability while helping the team prepare for the upcoming World Cup.
Farhan earned attention during the recent T20 World Cup after finishing as the tournament’s highest run-scorer. Over the past decade, he has also built a strong List-A record, scoring 2,926 runs at an average of 41.80.
Meanwhile, Sadaqat and Hussain impressed in Pakistan’s domestic competitions. Sadaqat finished among the top performers in the President’s Cup, scoring 374 runs with a strike rate of 144.40, while Hussain accumulated 452 runs in the same event.
Bangladesh prepares new combinations
Pakistan’s bowling attack is expected to feature Afridi alongside Haris Rauf, with spin options including Abrar Ahmed and Faisal Akram, while Faheem Ashraf could play as a bowling all-rounder.
On the other hand, Bangladesh aims to strengthen their middle-order by recalling Litton Das and Afif Hossain. The hosts will rely on openers Saif Hassan and Soumya Sarkar to provide a strong start.
Their bowling attack will be led by captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz, supported by experienced pacers Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman, along with leg-spinner Rishad Hossain.
Bangladesh coach Phil Simmons said the team plans to use three fast bowlers regularly as part of preparations for the next World Cup, which will be played in South Africa.
