Pakistan is preparing for the 2027 Cricket World Cup with this ODI series against Bangladesh. The first match is scheduled to take place on March 11, 2026, at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka.
Breaking Development
In a significant move, Pakistan captain Shaheen Afridi has confirmed that three players will make their ODI debuts against Bangladesh. The debutants are Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, and Shamyl Hussain. Afridi highlighted Sahibzada Farhan’s impressive performance, noting that he scored a record 383 runs in seven matches during the T20 World Cup 2026.
Pakistan comes into this series on a positive note, having won their last two home ODI series against South Africa and Sri Lanka. In contrast, Bangladesh arrives after a victory over the West Indies in their most recent ODI, showcasing their competitive form.
Shaheen Afridi expressed excitement about the new players, stating, “There will be like three debuts, of course. Sahibzada is the top performer in T20s and also in List ‘A’ cricket for Pakistan.” He emphasized the importance of these players not just for the series but for the future of the team.
Despite the changes, Pakistan has made some notable omissions, dropping established players Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, and Saim Ayub from the squad for this series. This decision reflects a strategic shift as they look to build a team for the upcoming World Cup.
Looking Ahead
Mehidy Hasan Miraz will lead the Bangladesh side as ODI captain, despite facing challenges in previous matches. Observers note that Bangladesh is a strong team, as highlighted by Afridi’s comments: “Bangladesh are a good side, and they played well against the West Indies. But we are also ready.”
The first ODI will not be telecasted on any channel in India, but it will be streamed live on the FanCode app and website, starting at 1:45 PM IST. This match marks an important step in both teams’ preparations for the 2027 Cricket World Cup.