Ghazi Ghori, Saad Masood: Pakistan Debuts Two Young Talents Against Bangladesh

Pakistan introduced two fresh faces to international cricket in the third and final ODI against Bangladesh at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka on Sunday. Wicketkeeper-batter Ghazi Ghori and leg-spin all-rounder Saad Masood both received their maiden ODI caps as Pakistan look to rebuild their white-ball squad with young talent ahead of next year's World Cup.

Ghazi Ghori: A Promising Wicketkeeper-Batter

The 22-year-old right-handed wicketkeeper has built an impressive first-class record in a short span. In 26 First-Class matches, Ghori averages 41 with three centuries and ten half-centuries — numbers that speak to his consistency at the domestic level. He was part of the Pakistan U-19 World Cup setup in 2022 as a reserve player and went on to represent Islamabad United in last year's Pakistan Super League.

His List A and T20 numbers remain modest, but Pakistan's selectors have clearly seen enough in his red-ball credentials and glovework to fast-track him into the ODI side. His involvement in Pakistan Shaheens' Rising Stars Asia Cup triumph late last year also worked in his favour.

Saad Masood: The Rare Leg-Spin All-Rounder

At just 21, Saad Masood brings a skill combination that is hard to find in modern cricket — a capable leg-spinner who can clear the boundary with the bat. While he is yet to play First-Class cricket, his T20 record shows promise: 22 wickets in 24 matches, coupled with a batting strike rate of nearly 141 at an average of 26.75.

Masood's ability to contribute with both bat and ball in the lower order makes him a valuable asset in limited-overs cricket. Like Ghori, he played a key role in the Pakistan Shaheens' Rising Stars Asia Cup victory and has been rewarded for that performance.

Series Context

The series heads into the decider tied at 1-1 after Pakistan recovered from their opening defeat to level the contest in the second ODI. Pakistan won the toss in Dhaka and opted to field first, with both debutants included in the playing XI as part of a clear signal that the team management is looking beyond the immediate result toward long-term squad building.