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 will be joined by fellow newcomers Sahibzada Farhan and Shamyl Hussain, marking a significant moment for the Pakistan cricket team.
Pakistan’s ODI series against Bangladesh consists of three matches, and the inclusion of Sadaqat, Farhan, and Hussain reflects the team’s strategy to inject fresh talent following a disappointing T20 World Cup 2026 campaign.
Shaheen Afridi, the captain of the Pakistan team, expressed enthusiasm about the 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.”
Sadaqat is expected to bat at the third position, while Sahibzada Farhan is set to open the batting. This lineup showcases the team’s commitment to nurturing young talent, with Sadaqat having previously excelled in the Rising Stars Asia Cup, where he scored 258 runs at an impressive average of 129.
Farhan, who scored 383 runs in the T20 World Cup 2026 with an average of 76.60 and a strike rate of 160.25, is anticipated to bring his strong form into the ODI format. Meanwhile, Shamyl Hussain has also shown promise, scoring 899 runs in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy with an average of 64.21.
“We are excited to see them play for Pakistan, not just for one series but with the future in mind,” Afridi added, highlighting the potential impact of these new players on the team’s future.
As the match approaches, observers are keen to see how these debutants perform under pressure and contribute to the team’s success. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the final squad composition and playing conditions.
