Lahore, October 15,2026: Pakistan’s young left-handed batter Maaz Sadaqat is targeting a place in next year’s ODI World Cup squad after being left out of the national team for the upcoming tri-series featuring England and Sri Lanka.
The 21-year-old made an impressive impact in Pakistan’s recently concluded three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, scoring consecutive half-centuries in the first two matches to help the hosts seal the series.
His performances also highlighted an aggressive approach to T20 batting, with Maaz emerging as one of the key contributors to Pakistan’s success.
He scored 50 off 29 balls in the opening match, helping Pakistan recover alongside captain Sahibzada Farhan after a modest powerplay.
In the second T20I, Maaz produced an even more explosive innings, smashing 96 off 51 deliveries, including seven sixes and six fours, narrowly missing out on his maiden international century.
Despite his recent form, Maaz was not included in Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming ODI tri-series. He has played six matches in the format, including his debut earlier this year.
The youngster announced himself in his second ODI against Bangladesh, scoring 75 runs and taking three wickets with his left-arm spin. However, he struggled during the subsequent home series against Australia in May and June, managing scores of eight, zero and 27 on challenging pitches.
The reasons behind his omission from the tri-series squad have not been made public. Maaz, however, intends to use the break to prepare for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
“I am targeting the ODI World Cup and I am preparing for it,” he said in a video interview released by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Thursday. “I have a 15-20-day window coming up which I am going to dedicate to working on myself for the World Cup.”
Having risen from tape-ball cricket in Peshawar to become a recognised name in franchise T20 cricket, Maaz has continued to strengthen his reputation on the domestic and international circuits. He also scored two centuries during the recently concluded Caribbean Premier League season.
The young batter believes his progress depends on building on his strengths rather than concentrating excessively on his weaknesses.
“[In training] I try to work as much as I can on my strengths and less on my weaknesses, because if the ball is out of my range, I’d still be able to push it for a single or two,” he said.
“However, if it is in my range, then I can hit it for six with my eyes closed.”
Maaz said he maintained a positive intent from the beginning of his innings, both in the CPL and international cricket, while looking to rotate the strike when deliveries were outside his preferred hitting range.
Although he has previously expressed willingness to bat at different positions, the youngster said opening the innings remained his preferred role.
“I feel the most comfortable playing as an opener,” he said.
A place in Pakistan’s World Cup squad could put Maaz in contention for an opening position alongside Saim Ayub, who is averaging nearly 47, and experienced batter Fakhar Zaman.
Maaz, however, views competition for places as motivation rather than a setback.
“Even if I am asked to bat lower in the order, I’ll try to bat so well that they [team management] are forced to push me higher,” he said.
