Maaz Sadaqat Set for ODI Debut Against Bangladesh
Maaz Sadaqat will make his ODI debut for Pakistan 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 team as they look to revamp their squad.
In this three-match ODI series, Sadaqat is expected to bat at the third position, while Sahibzada Farhan is slated to open the batting. Shaheen Afridi, the team captain, expressed confidence in 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. Maaz Sadaqat will open, and Shamyl Hussain will play at one down.”
Farhan, who scored 383 runs in the T20 World Cup 2026 with an impressive average of 76.60 and a strike rate of 160.25, is anticipated to make a strong impact. Meanwhile, Sadaqat was a standout performer in the Rising Stars Asia Cup, amassing 258 runs at an average of 129.
Shamyl Hussain also brings notable credentials, having scored 899 runs in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy with an average of 64.21, along with 452 runs in List A cricket. Afridi remarked, “We are excited to see them play for Pakistan, not just for one series but with the future in mind.”
This series comes on the heels of a disappointing T20 World Cup 2026 campaign for Pakistan, prompting a squad overhaul aimed at rejuvenating the team. Babar Azam, a key player, has been excluded from the squad for this series, further emphasizing the shift in strategy.
As the team prepares for the match, expectations are high for the debutants to showcase their skills and contribute to the team’s success. Afridi stated, “I hope they play their natural game and showcase their skills.”
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the final lineup and any last-minute changes to the squad. However, the inclusion of six uncapped players in the squad indicates a clear focus on building for the future.
