DHAKA, March 9, 2026 (BSS)- Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson expressed 
confidence about ending the upcoming three-match ODI series against 
Bangladesh on a winning note, despite arriving with a relatively 
inexperienced squad.

The ODI series will be the first between the two sides on Bangladesh soil 
since 2015. However, Pakistan toured Bangladesh last year for a three-match 
T20 series, which they lost 2-1.

Bangladesh also whitewashed Pakistan in a two-match Test series on Pakistani 
soil.

Despite those results, Hesson said Pakistan's recent performances have 
boosted the team's confidence. Pakistan defeated South Africa 2-1 in an ODI 
series and also whitewashed Sri Lanka in a three-match series.

Speaking to the reporters todayy, Hesson said the pitch for the ODI series 
looked ideal for cricket, which further strengthened their confidence.

"We respect Bangladesh, particularly in their own conditions, particularly. 
But as I said, these conditions here will be very different from what we saw 
in that T20 series last year. It had a pretty inconsistent bounce and was a 
fairly average surface," Hesson said.

"This wicket certainly looks a lot better. I think both sides will be 
challenged with the ball as much as they will with the bat. Bangladesh have 
been playing a lot more 50-over cricket in recent times, so we know we will 
have to make that adjustment really quickly."

Pakistan rested and dropped several established players, bringing in a number 
of inexperienced cricketers for the tour. However, Hesson said he is excited 
about the opportunity for the newcomers.

"Look, it's an exciting group. We've got some fresh faces who have done well 
with the Pakistan A team and earned the right to get opportunities at the 
next level. We're excited as a group to involve them," Hesson said.

"I think our challenge here is adapting to the pitch quickly. Regardless of 
what's thrown at us, we need to make sure we have a team ready to challenge 
Bangladesh in their own conditions. Our last two one-day series have been 
exceptional. We won both very convincingly, played some good, solid cricket 
and got runs at the top of the order, which always helps. This series will be 
a challenge for some new players to do the same."