Bangladesh confirm batting order change for Pakistan series Bangladesh coach Phil Simmons has announced that veteran right-hander Litton Das will open the batting order for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Pakistan. This marks a significant shift from his previous role as a middle-order batsman, with Simmons aiming to help Das regain his form in 50-over cricket. Das, who last batted at No.5 during the 2019 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, has struggled to score consistently in recent ODIs, with his last eight innings yielding no double figures. The coach believes the new position will provide the 31-year-old with the opportunity to contribute more effectively to the team's success. Simmons emphasized that Das has always been comfortable batting in any position, adding that the decision was made based on what the team needed. "He's a lot more relaxed with his game now, and he sees it as an opportunity to do what the team requires," the coach said. "We didn’t have to convince him for anything. All we asked was, 'this is what the team needs,' and he was happy to do it." Das, who previously captained the team, has consistently shown willingness to adapt for the greater good of the squad. The move to No.5 is also seen as a strategic effort to address Bangladesh's middle-order weaknesses. Simmons highlighted Das's experience and skills in dealing with spin bowling, noting that his presence in the middle order could strengthen the team's batting lineup. "It’s very difficult to keep going for 50 overs and then come in to open the batting," Simmons explained. "He’s also one of our better players of spin bowling. The middle order has been one of our Achilles’ heels, so having him there with his experience and skills could help us achieve what we need." Das’s past performance at No.#phil_simmons #litton_das #bangladesh_coach #pakistan_series #shere_bangla_national_cricket_stadium
Pakistan ODI Squad for Bangladesh Tour Excludes Babar Azam Pakistan Cricket Board has named a 15-player squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Bangladesh, scheduled to take place in Dhaka from 11 to 15 March. The squad includes several uncapped players but excludes former captain Babar Azam, who has been left out of the team for the tournament. Azam, 31, was omitted despite his status as a key player in Pakistan’s cricketing history. His absence from the squad follows a challenging performance in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, where he scored just 91 runs across four matches. His struggles in the T20 format have been compounded by a decline in his ODI form during 2025, where he managed 544 runs in 17 innings at an average of 34. The selected squad is led by left-arm quick Shaheen Shah Afridi, who will continue as captain. The group includes six debutants: Abdul Samad, Maaz Sadaqat, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan, and Shamyl Hussain. Among these, Farhan’s inclusion is notable, as he recently made headlines for his outstanding performance in the T20 World Cup 2026. The 23-year-old batter smashed 383 runs in the tournament, the highest individual total in a single edition of the men’s event. His recent heroics included a century against Sri Lanka, where he scored 100 off 60 balls, helping Pakistan secure a crucial victory. Four of the uncapped players—Abdul Samad, Maaz Sadaqat, Saad Masood, and Shamyl Hussain—were part of the Pakistan Shaheens squad that faced England Lions in Abu Dhabi. Their performances in that series earned them spots in the ODI squad.#t20_world_cup_2026 #babar_azam #shaheen_shah_afridi #pakistan_cricket_board #shere_bangla_national_cricket_stadium
