Bangladesh, Pakistan turn to ODI leg: 1st ODI preview
What's the story
Bangladesh and Pakistan are set to lock horns in the first match of the three-ODI series, starting tomorrow. The matches will be played at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka. This series comes after Pakistan's disappointing T20 World Cup campaign and Bangladesh's withdrawal from the tournament earlier this year. Both teams are eager to make their mark ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Details
Pitch report and conditions
The pitch at the Shere Bangla National Stadium is known for favoring spinners. Last year, West Indies bowled 50 overs of spin in the 2nd ODI against Bangladesh at this venue. Therefore, the impending series will also be dominated by spinners. According to the weather forecast, the 1st ODI could witness rain (in the afternoon).
Team dynamics
Pakistan's squad overhaul for Bangladesh tour
Pakistan have made some major changes to their squad for the series. They will be without Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, and Naseem Shah. Shaheen Shah Afridi, ahead of the series opener, informed that three players will make their debut. Probable XI: Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, Shamyl Hussain, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Salman Agha, Hussain Talat, Ghazi Ghori, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Mohammad Wasim, and Faisal Akram.
Tactical shifts
Bangladesh aim to capitalize on home advantage
Bangladesh, under the captaincy of Mehidy Hasan Miraz, are looking to make the most of their home advantage. The team has adjusted its batting order, with Litton Das moving to the middle order. Probable XI: Saif Hassan, Soumya Sarkar, Towhid Hridoy, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Das (wicket-keeper), Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (captain), Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Tanvir Islam, and Mustafizur Rahman.
Historical context
Pakistan lead head-to-head record
According to ESPNcricinfo, the two sides have clashed in 39 ODIs, with Pakistan winning 34 of them. Bangladesh own five victories in this battle, including a 3-0 series win at home in 2015. This was also the last bilateral ODI series involving the two teams. Notably, Pakistan won the last three ODIs between the two sides (2023 World Cup, 2023 Asia Cup, and 2019 ODI World Cup).