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Pakistan vs Bangladesh Toss (Source:X)
Bangladesh and Pakistan will begin a three-match ODI series on Wednesday at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur. The Bangla Tigers enter the series after missing the recent ICC Men's T20 World Cup due to political circumstances.
The team is now focusing on preparing for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2027. All-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz will lead the side and is expected to guide a relatively fresh-looking squad.
Pakistan, on the other hand, arrives in Bangladesh after another disappointing performance at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. Following the tournament, the team management decided to make several major changes to the squad.
Fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has been given the responsibility of leading the team for this ODI series. One of the biggest decisions by Pakistan's selectors was dropping former captain Babar Azam from the squad.
Also Read: PAK vs BAN Head-to-Head Records - 1st ODI, Pakistan Tour of Bangladesh 2026
Pakistan’s squad includes six uncapped players given an opportunity to prove themselves at the international level.
PAK vs BAN, 1st ODI Toss Update
Talking about the toss, Bangladesh have won the toss and opted to bowl. Talking about the Bangladesh, they have opted for three fast bowlers and two spinners.
In the opening match, 4 players are making their debut for Pakistan, including Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, Shamyl Hussain and Abdul Samad. Another talking point about the playing XI is that Haris Rauf has been dropped for today's game.
Watch the toss here:
PAK vs BAN, 1st ODI Playing XIs
Pakistan Playing XI: Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, Shamyl Hussain, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Hussain Talat, Abdul Samad, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi (c), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Abrar Ahmed
Bangladesh Playing XI: Tanzid Hasan, Saif Hassan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Das (wk), Towhid Hridoy, Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c), Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Nahid Rana
PAK vs BAN, 1st ODI: Captains Thoughts
Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan Captain): "Actually, I would go for bat first on this track. The reason is that 4 debutants so I don't want to put pressure on them batting second. So let them bat freely and we support them.
[Expectations from debutants] I think for me, like I am really excited to see them in the nets. They have performed well in Shaheens and in the domestic circuit as well. So, as a team, we are excited to see them and hope they perform for Pakistan for a long time.
[Taking inspiration from previous wins as captain] Yeah, winning start is always important. As a captain, it gives you more freedom. So, I think, yeah, we just go with the flow and play our best cricket.
[Good total on this surface] I feel 270-280 would be a good target here."
Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Bangladesh Captain): "Yeah, I would like to bowl first. I think dew comes in the evening. I think in the chase, we play well. We have a very good bowling attack as well, if we get early wickets in first 10 overs, it would be better.
[Experience of playing in these conditions in domestic tournament] Yes, just a few days ago we played BCL. Everybody who got runs and wickets would be happy.
[Areas of concern] Yeah, it is a great start for us. Everyone is excited. Qualifying is the most important thing. If we win, it will be a good moment for us.
[On team combination] We have 3 fast bowlers, 2 spinners and 6 batters.
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.jpg?type=mq "Kohli prepares for IPL")
