Maaz Sadaqat Set for ODI Debut Against Bangladesh
Maaz Sadaqat will make his ODI debut against Bangladesh on March 11, 2026, at the Shere-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka. He is one of three players, including Sahibzada Farhan and Shamyl Hussain, who will be making their first appearances in One Day Internationals.
The Pakistan team, led by captain Shaheen Afridi, is undergoing a significant overhaul following a disappointing T20 World Cup 2026 campaign. Babar Azam has been excluded from the squad for this series, paving the way for new talent to showcase their skills.
Maaz Sadaqat is expected to bat at the third position, while Sahibzada Farhan will open the batting. Afridi highlighted the importance of these debuts, stating, “There will be like three debuts, of course. Sahibzada is the top performer in T20s and also in List ‘A’ cricket for Pakistan. Maaz Sadaqat will open, and Shamyl Hussain will play at one down.”
In the Rising Stars Asia Cup, Sadaqat was a standout performer, scoring 258 runs with an impressive average of 129. His performance has garnered attention, making his inclusion in the ODI squad a notable decision.
Sahibzada Farhan, who scored 383 runs in the T20 World Cup 2026 at an average of 76.60 and a strike rate of 160.25, is expected to bring his form to the ODI format. Afridi expressed excitement about the new players, saying, “We are excited to see them play for Pakistan, not just for one series but with the future in mind.”
Shamyl Hussain, another uncapped player, has also shown promise, having scored 899 runs in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy with an average of 64.21. His experience in List A cricket, where he accumulated 452 runs, adds depth to the batting lineup.
The ODI series against Bangladesh consists of three matches, and the inclusion of six uncapped players indicates a strategic shift for the Pakistan cricket team. Afridi emphasized the need for the new players to perform, stating, “I hope they play their natural game and showcase their skills.”
As the series approaches, observers are keen to see how these new players adapt to the international stage. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the final lineup and strategies that will be employed in the matches ahead.
