Pakistan and Bangladesh Gear Up for T20I Series

The Gaddafi Stadium is set to host the opening match of the three-game T20I series between Pakistan and Bangladesh on Wednesday. Pakistan will be aiming to recover from their previous Test series defeat against Bangladesh.

This T20I series provides an ideal opportunity for Pakistan to shift the momentum. The team intends to begin the series positively by presenting a robust playing XI to challenge Bangladesh’s bowling capabilities.

Sahibzada Farhan is expected to start as an opener for Pakistan. His recall to the international squad follows an impressive performance in the recent Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10.

Farhan, representing Islamabad United, was the leading run-scorer with 449 runs in 12 matches, achieving a strike rate of 152.20, including three half-centuries and one century.

Saim Ayub, who has recovered from an injury sustained during the South Africa Test series last year, will also return to international cricket, joining him at the top.

Fakhar Zaman, an experienced left-handed batsman, is slated to play at number three. Hassan Nawaz, along with captain Salman Ali Agha, will provide stability in the middle order.

The probable XI also features all-rounders Shadab Khan and Faheem Ashraf, both of whom showed consistently strong performances during PSL 10.

The bowling attack will be led by Haris Rauf and Hasan Ali. Abrar Ahmed, who impressed with 17 wickets in the PSL, will add variety to the bowling options.

The last T20I series between Pakistan and Bangladesh took place in 2021 when Pakistan toured Bangladesh, resulting in a 3-0 series win for Pakistan.

Historically, Pakistan has dominated T20I matches against Bangladesh, winning 16 out of 19. Bangladesh has only won three times, and they will be looking to improve this record.

Pakistan’s Expected XI for the First T20I Against Bangladesh:

  • Sahibzada Farhan (wk)
  • Saim Ayub
  • Fakhar Zaman
  • Hasan Nawaz
  • Salman Ali Agha (c)
  • Shadab Khan
  • Khushdil Shah
  • Faheem Ashraf
  • Haris Rauf
  • Hasan Ali
  • Abrar Ahmed

Pakistan Squad for Bangladesh T20Is: Salman Ali Agha (c), Shadab Khan (vc), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Abbas Afridi, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk) and Saim Ayub.