• Match: Bangladesh vs Pakistan( BAN vs PAK ), 1st ODI Match, Pakistan tour of Bangladesh, 2026
• Date and Time: March 11,  08:15 am GMT / 01:45 pm BD / 02:15 pm local time
• Venue: Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka

Bangladesh
Pakistan

Bangladesh( BAN ) is set to face Pakistan( PAK ) in their 1st ODI match during the Pakistan tour of Bangladesh, 2026. This match is scheduled to take place at the Shere Bangla National Stadium on Wednesday, March 11.

Bangladesh are set to return to international cricket after spending nearly three months away from action. The team had been on the sidelines following the controversies that ultimately led to their withdrawal from the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. With those events now in the past, the Bangla Tigers will be hoping to turn the page and begin a new chapter.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series at home against Pakistan. All-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz will lead the side. Since making his ODI debut in 2017, Miraz has featured in 114 matches and scored 1,790 runs, in addition to making valuable contributions with the ball.

One of the biggest talking points in the squad is the inclusion of Litton Das. Despite struggling for form across formats and failing to reach double digits in international cricket since 2023, he has retained his place in the team. However, Bangladesh will be hoping that his experience — 2,569 runs from 95 ODIs — can help him rediscover his best form.

The batting unit also includes Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Tawhid Hridoy, and Mahidul Islam Bhuiyan. Among them, Soumya Sarkar brings significant experience, having represented Bangladesh in international cricket since 2014 and scoring 2,338 runs in 79 ODI appearances. Najmul Hossain Shanto is another key batter in the squad, with 1,705 runs from 58 ODIs to his name.

Tawhid Hridoy has been one of Bangladesh’s promising performers in recent times. The 25-year-old has steadily established himself as an important part of the middle order, scoring 1,265 runs in 44 ODI matches.

Captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz will also play a crucial role as an all-rounder. Along with his 1,790 runs, he has taken 121 wickets in ODIs and has been particularly effective at home, claiming 50 wickets in Bangladesh.

Spin options for Bangladesh also include Afif Hossain and Rishad Hossain. Rishad is a player to watch after his impressive showing in the 2025-26 Big Bash League, where he picked up 15 wickets.

Bangladesh will miss the services of injured pace bowlers Hasan Mahmud and Tanzim Hasan. However, they still possess a strong pace attack led by the experienced duo of Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed. Between them, the two pacers have taken a combined 294 ODI wickets — 177 for Mustafizur and 117 for Taskin.

Pakistan head into this series after a disappointing campaign in the 2026 T20 World Cup, where they were knocked out in the Super Eight stage. The aftermath of that performance has been reflected in the squad announced for the Bangladesh tour.

The Pakistan selectors have made several major changes, including six potential debutants in the 15-member squad. Among the notable omissions are star batter Babar Azam and opener Saim Ayub.

Babar Azam has endured a difficult period in recent months. He struggled during his debut Big Bash League season and was even dropped from Pakistan’s playing XI during their crucial T20 World Cup match against Sri Lanka. The exclusion of Saim Ayub, however, has surprised many, as the ODI format is considered his strongest. In just 17 ODI matches, he has already scored three centuries and three half-centuries.

Other players who have lost their places in the squad include Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, and Naseem Shah, while Fakhar Zaman misses out due to injury.

One of the most exciting additions to the squad is Sahibzada Farhan, who finished as the leading run-scorer in the 2026 T20 World Cup. Farhan scored 383 runs in six innings, including two centuries against Namibia and Sri Lanka. In domestic List-A cricket, he has accumulated 3,160 runs in 73 matches at an average of 45.1.

The other newcomers in the squad are Abdul Samad, Ghazi Ghori, Saad Masood, Maaz Sadaqat, and Shamyl Hussain, all of whom could make their ODI debuts during the series. Meanwhile, experienced players such as Mohammad Rizwan and T20I captain Salman Ali Agha have retained their spots.

Shaheen Afridi will continue to lead Pakistan in the ODI format. The left-arm pacer has played 71 ODIs and taken 135 wickets. This series will mark only his second assignment as Pakistan’s ODI captain. He will be supported in the pace department by Haris Rauf and Mohammad Wasim Jr, who have taken 97 and 41 ODI wickets respectively.

In the spin department, Abrar Ahmed will lead the attack. Since making his ODI debut in 2024, he has picked up 28 wickets in 14 matches. He will be joined by Faisal Akram as well as debutants Maaz Sadaqat and Saad Masood.

Bangladesh: Soumya Sarkar, Litton Das (WK), Najmul Hossain Shanto, Tawhid Hridoy, Mahidul Islam Bhuiyan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (C), Afif Hossain, Rishad Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Tanvir Islam.

Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Shamyl Hussain, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Abdul Samad, Salman Ali Agha, Maaz Sadaqat, Faheem Ashraf, Saad Masood, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi (C), Abrar Ahmed.

Bangladesh: L, L, W, L, W
Pakistan: L, W, W, W, W

We’re hoping the team wins the toss and chooses to bowl first.

The pitch at Shere Bangla National Stadium is generally known for being slow and helpful for spin bowlers. Batters can score runs in the early stages of the match when the surface is relatively fresh, but as the game progresses, the pitch tends to slow down and offer more turn and grip for spinners. Because of the low and sometimes inconsistent bounce, batters often need to spend some time at the crease to adjust their timing. Fast bowlers may get a bit of movement with the new ball, but spinners usually play a key role during the middle overs. In T20 matches, a total around 150 to 165 is often considered competitive on this surface. Overall, teams with strong spin attacks usually have an advantage at this venue.

The weather at Shere Bangla National Stadium on March 11 at 02:15 PM local time is expected to be warm and mostly sunny, with the temperature likely to hover around 30°C. Conditions should remain dry with only a slight chance of rain, which means there is very little likelihood of weather interruptions during the match. Humidity may be moderate, making it feel a bit warmer for players on the field. Overall, the weather looks favorable for cricket, with clear skies and steady conditions expected throughout the afternoon.

• The Mirpur pitch is usually slow and spin-friendly, especially in the middle overs.
• The surface often slows down in the second innings, making chasing more challenging.
• A total of 240+ runs is generally considered competitive at this venue in ODIs.
• Strike rotation and partnerships are crucial for batters on this wicket.
• Spinners could play a decisive role, particularly after the powerplay overs.