Bangladesh and Pakistan will look to reset their ODI plans and start building toward the 2027 World Cup when they meet in the opening match of their three-game series in Dhaka on Wednesday. Both teams arrive with fresh combinations and a focus on experimentation after recent disappointments on the global stage.
For Bangladesh, the series marks their return to international cricket after a three-month break that included missing the recent T20 World Cup due to political issues. The hosts are keen to rebuild momentum and address weaknesses in the middle phases of their innings. Team management has reshuffled the batting order, recalling Litton Das and Afif Hossain to strengthen the middle order. Openers Saif Hassan and Soumya Sarkar will be expected to provide aggressive starts before Towhid Hridoy and Najmul Hossain Shanto stabilize the innings.
Bangladesh’s bowling remains their biggest strength. Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman will lead the pace attack, while legspinner Rishad Hossain and captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz provide spin options alongside Tanvir Islam. With the Shere Bangla National Stadium traditionally favouring spin, the hosts may rely heavily on their slow bowlers.
Pakistan, meanwhile, have made the boldest changes. Six players in their 15-member squad are uncapped, including several top-order batters. Sahibzada Farhan, who impressed in the T20 World Cup, is set to make his ODI debut alongside Maaz Sadaqat and Shamyl Hussain in a new-look top three. The inexperience at the top places extra responsibility on Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha in the middle order.
Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi will spearhead the bowling attack with support from Mohammad Wasim and Faheem Ashraf, though Pakistan’s spin resources appear relatively thin.
The Dhaka pitch has recently produced spin-friendly conditions, with teams bowling the majority of their overs with slow bowlers. With rain also forecast, conditions could further test both teams as they begin a new cycle with the long-term goal of the 2027 World Cup.