Three debutants for Pakistan in ODI opener, says Shaheen

Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi revealed on Tuesday that his side is likely to field three debutants in the opening one-day international against Bangladesh, with all three set to bat in the top order.

Pakistan have included six uncapped players -- Abdul Samad, Maaz Sadaqat, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan and Shamyl Hussain -- for the three-match ODI series, scheduled to be held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium from March 11 to 15.

Speaking at the pre-series press conference, Afridi said that Farhan and Sadaqat will open the innings while Shamyl will bat at number three.

Farhan enjoyed an exceptional campaign in the recent ICC Men's T20 World Cup, scoring 383 runs to finish as the tournament’s highest run-getter, while youngsters Sadaqat and Shamyl have also impressed with the bat in recent times.

“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. These three will make their debut. Hopefully, they will play their own game and show their skills,” Afridi said.

“We are excited to see them play for Pakistan, not just for one series but with the future in mind,” he added, noting that their experience of playing in the Bangladesh Premier League could help them adapt quickly to local conditions.

“They have experience playing here. They have played the Bangladesh league here. Sahibzada and Maaz have played here and a few others were also involved last year. They are familiar with the grounds and conditions and I hope they will play their best cricket,” he said.

Afridi said he expects a tough contest as both sides enter the series with momentum. Bangladesh recently defeated West Indies 2-1 in an ODI series at the same venue, while Pakistan secured ODI series victories over South Africa and Sri Lanka at home.

“Any team is strong at home. Bangladesh are a good side and they played well against West Indies. But we are also ready. We performed well in the last two ODI series against South Africa and Sri Lanka and we want to continue that,” he said.

Afridi also expressed confidence in Pakistan’s pace attack, saying the conditions could offer some assistance to fast bowlers.

“The Pakistan team is known for fast bowling. We will definitely rely on our pace attack, though the spinners will also play their part in the team’s success,” he said.

“For now, it seems the wicket could offer some help for the fast bowlers, but I haven’t had a proper look yet. I will assess it again today and then take the final decision after discussing it with the team management,” he added.

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