Pakistan will field four debutants in the first ODI against Bangladesh in Dhaka on Wednesday, continuing their push to introduce new talent into the national side. Sahibzada Farhan, Shamyl Hussain, Abdul Samad and Maaz Sadaqat are set to make their ODI debuts under captain Shaheen Shah Afridi.
The decision marks the first time since 2008 that Pakistan have fielded four debutants in a single ODI, and only the second time since 1980. It reflects a broader transition within the squad after Pakistan’s disappointing T20 World Cup campaign, which ended with their elimination in the Super Eight stage. Several senior players, including Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Nawaz and Naseem Shah, were left out as part of the shake-up.
Head coach Mike Hesson recently emphasised that the new faces had earned their opportunities through strong performances with Pakistan Shaheens and domestic teams. He described the group as an exciting mix of young talent ready to step up at international level, while acknowledging the challenge of adapting quickly to Bangladesh’s conditions.
Farhan, 30, has forced his way into the ODI setup following an exceptional run in T20 cricket. He finished the recent T20 World Cup as the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 383 runs, the highest tally ever recorded in a single edition. He will open the batting alongside the 21-year-old Shamyl Hussain, who impressed in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and averages over 46 in his brief List A career.
In the middle order, Abdul Samad brings an aggressive batting style despite being better known for his T20 exploits. He averages above 35 in List A cricket and has two centuries to his name. Meanwhile, the 20-year-old Maaz Sadaqat offers both batting firepower and slow left-arm orthodox spin, which could be valuable on the slow surfaces expected in Dhaka.
The three-match ODI series, played entirely at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, will conclude on March 15 and serves as Pakistan’s final international assignment before the Pakistan Super League begins on March 26.