02/03/2026
My ODI Squad vs Bangladesh:
1. Fakhar Zaman
2. Saim Ayub
2. Babar Azam
4. Salman Ali Agha [C]
5. Hussain Talat
6. Usman Khan [WK]
7. Hasan Nawaz
8. Naseem Shah
9. Faisal Akram
10. Salman Mirza
11. Abrar Ahmed
12. Abbas Afridi
13. Usman Tariq
14. Ali Raza
15. Rohail Nazir
16. Azan Awais
Horses for courses. Babar Azam is a very good ODI batsman. 50 overs is a long game. Important to have an anchor there.
Pakistan has done terribly bad by picking up such all rounders who can’t perform when it matters. Better to invest in new players.
Abbas Afridi should be groomed into one. Hussain Talat is a good option to bowl a few overs too.
You have to pick 2 specialist spinners playing an XI in Bangladesh. Faisal Akram has been impressive with a few opportunities he has been given. Abrar is getting better with time. Usman Tariq shouldn’t do bad if gets an opportunity.
Saim Ayub and Hasan Nawaz have got excellent ODI numbers with their power hitting. They should be given the role of playing fearless cricket.
Time to promote Usman Khan in ODIs - he has been terrific behind the stumps. Can score big runs in ODIs.
Salman Ali Agha is the most logical choice to play as Captain in ODIs. He is growing as a captain. It’s a long process. He will deliver much better as Captain in ODIs.
Naseem Shah should be made leader of the pacers pack ably supported by Salman Mirza ; who has shown glimpses of what he can achieve at the top level. Not sure about Wasim Junior’s fitness hence he stays out. Ali Raza is fast improving.
Must improve the bench by taking along Rohail and Azan. Both players capable of serving Pakistan cricket for long.
It’s a fine mix of youth and experience. They should do well vs Bangladesh who are very strong in their backyard.
What’s your XI?
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