Pakistan's batting lineup wobbles after early wickets in ODI series opener against Bangladesh

DHAKA: Pakistan faced difficulties with the bat after Bangladesh chose to field first in the opening match of the three-match one-day international series at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka on Wednesday, with the visitors losing a number of wickets during the innings.

After Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bowl first, Pakistan’s innings suffered setbacks in the early overs as the top order struggled to build momentum.

The first wicket fell with the score at 41, when Sahibzada Farhan was dismissed after scoring 27 runs off 38 deliveries.

Another breakthrough followed soon after, leaving Pakistan two down with the score at 47. Shamil Hussain was dismissed for four runs.

Pakistan’s third wicket then fell with the total at 55, when Moaz Sadaqat was out after scoring 18 runs from 28 balls.

Pakistan have fielded a new-look side for the series opener, naming four debutants after resting six key players for the tour, including top-order batters Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub and Babar Azam.

The remaining two matches of the three-match series will also be played at the same venue on March 13 and March 15.

Playing XIs:

Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, Shamyl Hussain, Mohammad Rizwan(w), Salman Agha, Hussain Talat, Abdul Samad, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi(c), Mohammad Wasim Jr, Abrar Ahmed.

Bangladesh: Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Saif Hassan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Das(w), Mehidy Hasan Miraz(c), Towhid Hridoy, Afif Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Rishad Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Nahid Rana.

Series Schedule:

11 March: First ODI – Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka

13 March: Second ODI – Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka

15 March: Third ODI – Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka

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