Pakistan Reveals Playing 11 for 1st T20I Against Bangladesh as Youthful Squad Takes Center Stage

Pakistan's Fresh-Look Squad Faces Bangladesh in Dhaka

The cricket calendar in 2025 has thrown up a spicy clash as Pakistan’s men land in Bangladesh for a much-awaited T20I series. The first match is grabbing attention for reasons far beyond just the scores – it’s Pakistan’s first outing under Agha Salman as T20I captain, and the squad list reads like something out of the future, deliberately packed with youth and fresh ambition.

All eyes will be on the opening partnership of Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman. These two bring experience at the top, but it’s their urgency and attacking intent that Pakistan hopes will ignite early fireworks in Dhaka. The selectors haven’t shied away from making bold moves, tossing in names that haven’t been staples in the past. Ahmed Daniyal is perhaps the standout: after a PSL 2025 stint where he bowled with real pace and accuracy, he’s earned his shot on the international scene. His call-up sends a message – performance in domestic leagues will be rewarded, no matter the player’s age or seniority.

Pakistan’s approach in this series looks intentional: the mix of old heads and new blood is no accident, but rather a signal that the national team is in transition. While regular names like Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi are missing (rested or managing workloads after a busy cricket calendar), it’s a chance for the next tier of cricketers to make themselves undroppable. Even behind the scenes, the team management is keeping a close eye on who can handle the pressure of an away series when the conditions are sticky and the crowds lean heavily in the hosts’ favor.

Bangladesh Seeks Redemption as Home T20I Returns

This isn’t just business as usual for Bangladesh either. The last time they hosted Pakistan for a T20I series was five years ago, and memories still linger from nail-biting finishes and missed chances back in 2020. But this year, there’s real optimism. Coming off a rare series win over Sri Lanka, the Tigers have every reason to be confident. Their own squad now brims with young talent hungry to prove points on the global stage. They want to show that their recent progress isn’t a fluke — and beating Pakistan at home, especially a team with a reputation for uncovering hidden gems, would be the perfect statement.

The duels in this series are set to be personal. Pakistan’s bowlers are quick and unpredictable, but Bangladesh’s young batters have recently been lauded for their fearless strokeplay. This first match is more than just a fixture on the schedule; it’s a laboratory to see which style of building a team—relying on consistency or constant renewal—works best in modern T20 cricket.

Packed crowds in Dhaka will demand a show, and neither team can afford to be caught napping. Whether Ahmed Daniyal justifies the hype, whether Salman’s captaincy sparkles on debut, or if Bangladesh’s home conditions tilt the contest their way, all the ingredients are there for a series full of surprises. Cricket fans, buckle up: this isn’t your regular bilateral series, and the new faces on both sides might just steal the spotlight.