Maaz Sadaqat Set for ODI Debut Against Bangladesh
Maaz Sadaqat is set to make his ODI debut on March 11, 2026, against Bangladesh at Shere-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka. This match marks the beginning of a three-match ODI series for Pakistan, who are undergoing a squad overhaul following a disappointing T20 World Cup 2026 campaign.
Alongside Sadaqat, Sahibzada Farhan and Shamyl Hussain will also make their ODI debuts. Shaheen Afridi, the captain of the Pakistan team, expressed enthusiasm about the new additions, 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.”
Maaz Sadaqat has been a standout performer in the Rising Stars Asia Cup, where he scored 258 runs at an impressive average of 129. His inclusion in the squad reflects Pakistan’s strategy to invest in young talent. Afridi added, “We are excited to see them play for Pakistan, not just for one series but with the future in mind.”
Sahibzada Farhan, who is expected to open the batting, had a remarkable T20 World Cup, scoring 383 runs with an average of 76.60 and a strike rate of 160.25. His performance has made him a key player for the team.
Shamyl Hussain, batting at number three, has also shown promise, having scored 899 runs in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy with an average of 64.21. His experience in List A cricket, where he has amassed 452 runs, adds depth to the batting lineup.
Notably, Babar Azam has been excluded from the squad for this series, paving the way for the new players to showcase their skills. Afridi remarked, “Maaz Sadaqat will open the batting, while Shamyl Hussain will bat at No. 3. I hope they play their natural game and showcase their skills.”
With six uncapped players in the squad, this series against Bangladesh represents a significant opportunity for Pakistan to rebuild and re-establish itself in international cricket. Observers are keen to see how these young players perform under pressure.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the final squad composition and the specific roles of each player, but the excitement surrounding Sadaqat’s debut is palpable among fans and analysts alike.
