Bangladesh vs Pakistan 1st ODI Preview

The Bangladesh Pakistan ODI series begins in Dhaka on Wednesday as both sides look to reset their plans with the 2027 World Cup cycle in mind.

Pakistan have named six uncapped players in their 15-member squad following their early exit from the T20 World Cup, while Bangladesh return to international cricket after a three-month absence that saw them miss the tournament due to a political dispute.

The Bangladesh Pakistan ODI series will therefore mark a fresh start for both teams as they test new combinations ahead of future international assignments.

Bangladesh looking for middle-order stability

Bangladesh’s coaching staff have highlighted the middle phase of both batting and bowling innings as areas needing improvement.

The hosts are expected to experiment with a new middle-order combination by recalling Litton Das and Afif Hossain after a break from the format.

Bangladesh will also rely on openers Saif Hassan and Soumya Sarkar to provide a fast start at the top of the order before the middle-order attempts to stabilise the innings.

Their bowling unit remains one of their stronger areas despite struggles in their last three ODI series. Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman and Rishad Hossain are expected to deliver the majority of the overs, while captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Tanvir Islam provide spin options.

If conditions demand additional pace support at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, Shoriful Islam and Nahid Rana remain available as backup options.

Pakistan field new-look top order

Pakistan’s squad selection has generated significant interest, particularly with four of the six uncapped players being top-order batters.

Among them, Sahibzada Farhan is the most experienced name after finishing as the leading run-scorer for Pakistan in the T20 World Cup. He is expected to open alongside Maaz Sadaqat, with Shamyl Hussain likely to complete the top three.

The inexperienced top order will place additional responsibility on Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha to anchor the middle of the innings.

Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi will lead the bowling attack with the new ball, supported by Haris Rauf and Mohammad Wasim. The spin department, however, appears relatively thin with Abrar Ahmed the only experienced specialist spinner in the squad.

In the spotlight: Litton Das and Shaheen Shah Afridi

Litton Das returns to the ODI side despite struggling for form in the format over the past two years. Bangladesh’s selectors are hopeful his strength against spin bowling will strengthen the middle order.

Litton will also take over wicketkeeping duties and is expected to bat at number five, a move head coach Phil Simmons believes could help manage his workload.

Meanwhile, Shaheen Shah Afridi will aim to secure a third consecutive ODI series victory as captain after leading Pakistan to series wins against South Africa (2-1) and Sri Lanka (2-0).

However, Afridi enters the Bangladesh Pakistan ODI series after a mixed T20 World Cup campaign in which he claimed eight wickets but conceded runs at an economy rate of 10.52.

Team news: Pakistan set for multiple debuts

Litton Das and Afif Hossain are expected to strengthen Bangladesh’s middle order, while the hosts could opt to play only two specialist fast bowlers depending on conditions.

Bangladesh (probable XI): Saif Hassan, Soumya Sarkar, Towhid Hridoy, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Das (wk), Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (capt), Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman.

Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi confirmed that Sahibzada Farhan, Shamyl Hussain and Maaz Sadaqat are likely to form the top three, while middle-order batter Abdul Samad is also expected to make his ODI debut.

Pakistan (probable XI): Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, Shamyl Hussain, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Agha, Hussain Talat, Abdul Samad, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi (capt), Mohammad Wasim, Faisal Akram.

Pitch and conditions

The Shere Bangla National Stadium has historically favoured spin bowling. In the previous ODI series at the venue, West Indies and Bangladesh delivered 84 percent of their overs through spin.

In one match, West Indies bowled their entire 50 overs using spin.

However, both Bangladesh coach Phil Simmons and Pakistan coach Mike Hesson have indicated that the pitch may be improved for the upcoming Bangladesh Pakistan ODI series.

Weather forecasts also suggest there could be unseasonal rain during the afternoon.

Check out: Where to Watch Bangladesh vs Pakistan ODI Series 2026