Bangladesh will take on Pakistan in the second match of the ongoing three-match ODI series on March 13 at the Sher-e-Bangla International Cricket Stadium in Dhaka. It is necessary for Pakistan to win this match after Bangladesh won the first match of the three-match ODI series by 8 wickets in Dhaka on March 11.
This article provides the probable playing XI of Bangladesh national cricket team and Pakistan national cricket team for the second ODI of the series, probable team combinations and key players to watch out for at the Sher-e-Bangla International Cricket Stadium in Dhaka.
Bangladesh Playing XI vs Pakistan, Match 2, ODI Series:
Openers: Saif Hasan and Tanjeed Hasan
Saif Hasan and Tanjid Hasan are a dangerous opening pair for Bangladesh. Saif plays calmly and handles the new ball, while Tanzid attacks the bowlers with aggressive shots.
Also read: “Thumke marne laga jaate” – Ahmed Shehzad humorously trolls Mohammad Rizwan’s batting technique
The right-hand and left-hand combination will create problems for Pakistani bowlers like Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi as they will have to keep changing their lines and lengths. If this pair gives a strong start to Bangladesh, then Pakistan may face serious trouble in the second ODI.
Middle-order batsmen and all-rounders: Nazmul Hussain Shanto, Liton Das (wicketkeeper), Tauheed Hridoy, Mehdi Hasan Miraj (captain), Afif Hussain and Rishad Hussain.
The Pakistan national cricket team usually relies on spinners to control the game, but Bangladesh’s middle order is strong against spin. Batsmen like Tauheed Hridoy and Liton Das can keep scoring without taking big risks. Bangladesh also have a deep batting base, with all-rounders like Mehidy Hasan Miraj, Rishad Hossain and Afif Hossain capable of scoring runs at a rapid pace.
They provide a lot of spin overs and strong hitting in the last 10 overs, which can increase the total quickly and put pressure on Pakistan bowlers.
Bowlers: Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman and Nahid Rana
Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman and Nahid Rana have formed one of the most dangerous pace attacks in Bangladesh cricket history. The fast bowling trio is a serious threat to the Pakistani batsmen.
Taskin brings control and bounce with disciplined bowling, while Rana adds immense pace, regularly crossing 145 km/h and coming into the match with a brilliant five-wicket haul. On the other hand, experienced fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman remains a major threat with his clever cutter and death over skills.
Also read: “Want to be part of World Cup-winning team”: Sai Sudarshan challenges Abhishek Sharma for T20I spot
Pakistan Playing XI vs Bangladesh, Match 2, ODI Series:
Openers: Sahibzada Farhan and Maaz Sadaqat
Sahibzada Farhan and Maaz Sadaqat will be a big test at the top of the order for Pakistan after the team’s massive batting collapse in the first ODI against Bangladesh.
Farhan is expected to give a great start to Pakistan after their excellent T20 World Cup 2026 campaign. On the other hand, young left-handed batsman Maaz’s aggressive shots make him a threat. Their left-right combination at the top can help Pakistan put up a big score on the board.
Middle-order batsmen and all-rounders: Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Abdul Samad, Salman Ali Aga, Hussain Talat and Faheem Ashraf.
After poor performance in the first ODI, Pakistan’s middle order will have to perform better. Mohammad Rizwan will try to keep the innings stable in the middle.
On the other hand, players like Salman Ali Aga and Hussain Talat will counter the spin attack, while Abdul Samad and Faheem Ashraf will be crucial in the final overs. There is variety in their bowling attack and they will need to step up to avoid embarrassment on the tour.
Bowlers: Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Haris Rauf
Captain Shaheen Afridi will lead the bowling attack for Pakistan in the second ODI. As the captain and main fast bowler, Afridi will have to strike early with the new ball and give Pakistan a strong start.
In the middle overs, Abrar Ahmed will try to slow down the scoring with his spin on the Mirpur pitch. They will go ahead with either Mohammad Wasim Jr. or Haris Rauf to prevent Bangladesh from scoring quickly at the end.