As the dust settles from the recent T20 World Cup, international cricket returns to the iconic Shere Bangla National Stadium for a three-match ODI series between Bangladesh and Pakistan. This opening clash on March 11 marks a fresh chapter for both sides, featuring new leadership and a youth-centric approach.
Bangladesh enter this series with Mehidy Hasan Miraz at the helm. With the transition away from the “Big Five” era, the Tigers are leaning heavily on their domestic stars. Keep an eye on the pace trio of Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, and Mustafizur Rahman, who have developed world-class variations (cutters and slow bouncers) specifically for these Mirpur conditions.
Pakistan, led by speedster Shaheen Afridi, arrives with a squad that emphasizes “the next generation.” With Babar Azam rested, the spotlight shifts to young talents like Shamyl Hussain and Sahibzada Farhan. The inclusion of specialist leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed suggests Pakistan are ready to fight fire with fire on a spinning track.
BAN vs PAK, 1st ODI: Match Details
- Date and Time: March 11; 01:45 pm IST/ 08:15 am GMT/ 02:15 pm Local
- Venue: Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka
BAN vs PAK, Head-to-Head Record
Matches Played: 39 | BAN won: 5 | PAK Won: 14 | No results: 0
Shere Bangla National Stadium Pitch Report
The surface at Shere Bangla National Stadium is known for its slow and low nature. Historically, the track assists spinners from the very first hour. Expect Mehidy and Abrar to be the most influential figures on the field. Batting is generally easiest during the first 10–15 overs when the ball is hard. Once the shine wears off, the surface becomes “tacky,” making it difficult for incoming batters to find their timing. The captain winning the toss is likely to bowl first to capitalize on any early humidity and avoid the “dry” period of the afternoon when the pitch is at its slowest.
Also READ: Pakistan name 6 uncapped players in ODI squad for Bangladesh tour, no place for Babar Azam
Squads
Bangladesh: Mehidy Hasan Miraz (captain), Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Tawhid Hridoy, Litton Das, Afif Hossain, Mahidul Islam Bhuiyan, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana.
Pakistan: Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Hussain Talat, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wicketkeeper), Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha, Shamyl Hussain
BAN vs PAK, 1st ODI: Today’s Match Prediction
Case 1:
- Bangladesh wins the toss and bowl first
- Pakistan powerplay score: 50-60
- Pakistan total score: 270-280
Case 2:
- Pakistan wins the toss and bowl first
- Bangladesh powerplay score: 40-50
- Bangladesh total score: 250-260
Match result: Team bowling first will win the game.
Also READ: Mike Hesson explains Babar Azam’s omission from Pakistan ODI squad for Bangladesh tour
