DHAKA: Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bowl first against Pakistan in the opening One-day International of the three-match series at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka on Wednesday. The day-night fixture marks the start of both sides’ latest 50-over campaign, with all three matches of the series scheduled to be played at the same venue in the Bangladeshi capital.
The toss decision underlined Bangladesh’s preference to make early use of home conditions, with the hosts backing their bowling attack to put immediate pressure on a Pakistan side entering the series with a significantly refreshed look.
Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi had already indicated before the match that the tourists would field three debutants in the series opener, as the team management begins to give greater exposure to younger players ahead of the 2027 World Cup cycle.
Pakistan came into the match after winning their previous ODI series against Sri Lanka 3-0, and their squad for Bangladesh includes six uncapped players in total.
Bangladesh, meanwhile, are also seeking a fresh start in the format. With Pakistan historically dominant in this rivalry but Bangladesh often difficult to beat at home, the toss handed the hosts the first opportunity to shape the contest as they look to make an immediate statement in the series.
