Pakistan and Bangladesh will face each other in the third T20I of their three-match series at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The home side currently leads the series 2-0 and will aim to finish it on a strong note, while Bangladesh will be hoping to end the tour with a win. The match offers both teams a chance to test players and strategies before upcoming international events.
Pakistan have impressed with their attacking batting and disciplined bowling in the first two matches. Bangladesh, on the other hand, have shown signs of struggle, especially in their batting. With both sides expected to make slight changes to their lineups, this match could bring new opportunities for players to shine.
Pakistan Openers: Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman Return Together
Pakistan are likely to start the innings with Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman. In the second T20I, Fakhar missed out due to fitness concerns, which broke the pair. If fully fit, Fakhar will return to join Saim at the top of the order. Both are known for their fast starts and aggressive style, which suits Pakistan’s modern T20 approach.
Saim has not yet made a big score in this series, but he remains an important player due to his talent and stroke-making ability. A strong performance in this match will boost his confidence for future games. Fakhar, if included, will try to make the most of a good batting pitch by playing his natural attacking game in the powerplay.
Mohammad Haris at No. 3 Brings Balance and Energy
Mohammad Haris has played an important role for Pakistan in the top order. Batting at No. 3, Haris brings energy and intent, two qualities needed in the modern T20 format. He can score quickly and rotate strike, helping maintain pressure on the bowling side.
His wicketkeeping duties add extra value to the team combination. With good performances in the first two games, Haris has shown signs of maturity and seems ready to become a regular part of the side. He can be the link between openers and middle-order batters, allowing Pakistan to build strong totals.
Hasan Nawaz Makes an Impression in the Middle Order
One of the biggest positives from the last match was the performance of young middle-order batter Hasan Nawaz. He played a confident knock and scored a half-century, showing calmness and control. His innings helped Pakistan maintain a high run rate even after early wickets.
Hasan’s rise adds depth to the batting order. He can handle pressure and hit big shots when required. His fearless attitude is something Pakistan will benefit from, especially in T20 matches where quick runs are needed in the middle overs. This game gives him another chance to perform well and become a strong option for the future.
Captain Salman Ali Agha Leads with Confidence
Salman Ali Agha, who is leading the team in this series, has performed his captaincy duties with confidence. His batting has also been useful, and he has managed to keep the team calm under pressure. He brings balance as a batter and leader, allowing others to focus on their roles.
In this match, Salman will aim to guide the younger players and ensure the team finishes the series on a positive note. His calm leadership style has been one of the reasons behind Pakistan’s strong performance so far. A good knock from him would be a bonus for the team.
All-Round Contributions from Shadab Khan, Khushdil Shah, and Faheem Ashraf
Pakistan’s middle and lower order include three important all-rounders: Shadab Khan, Khushdil Shah, and Faheem Ashraf. These players have added value with both bat and ball. Shadab, who also plays a leadership role, has bowled well and added quick runs when needed.
Khushdil Shah has provided left-handed power-hitting and can bowl if required. Faheem has supported the pace attack and taken wickets in key moments. These three make the team more flexible and balanced. Their presence gives the captain more options, which is important in T20 cricket.
Fast Bowlers Aim to Keep Pressure on Bangladesh
Pakistan’s pace attack has done a decent job in the series so far. Haris Rauf played a big role in the second match by breaking Bangladesh’s opening stand. He bowled with pace and accuracy, which helped Pakistan take control of the game. Hasan Ali has also kept things tight and used his experience to good effect.
The team might rotate one pacer, with Naseem Shah or Abbas Afridi possibly coming in. This would give them a chance to test their bench strength. Pakistan will want their fast bowlers to continue putting pressure on Bangladesh early in the innings and in the death overs.
Abrar Ahmed Leads the Spin Department with Wickets
Abrar Ahmed has been one of the standout performers with the ball. His leg-spin has troubled the Bangladesh batters, and he picked up three wickets in the last game. At one point, he was even on a hat-trick. His ability to control the ball and create chances in the middle overs is valuable for the team.
The Gaddafi Stadium pitch has helped spin slightly, and Abrar will look to make the most of that again. With support from Shadab Khan, Pakistan’s spin attack can play a key role in limiting Bangladesh’s scoring and taking regular wickets.
Bangladesh Expected to Make Changes After Two Losses
After two losses, Bangladesh are expected to make changes in their playing XI. Najmul Hossain Shanto may return to strengthen the top order, while Khaled Ahmed could replace the injured Shoriful Islam. These changes could bring more energy to the side, which has struggled so far in the series.
Bangladesh will also hope for better performances from their senior players. Litton Das, who is leading the side, needs to step up with the bat. The team has struggled to post or chase high totals, and better starts from the top order are needed. This final match is a chance for the players to bounce back.
Bangladesh Bowling Shows Promise in Death Overs
One of the few positives for Bangladesh has been their performance in the last few overs with the ball. In both matches, their bowlers managed to slow down Pakistan’s scoring during the final five overs. This helped limit the damage and kept the games within reach for a longer time.
Tanzim Hasan Sakib has bowled well with both the new ball and at the end. His improvements as a bowler have been noticeable. Bangladesh need to build on this and ensure their bowlers stay consistent throughout the innings, not just in the last phase.
Batting Remains Bangladesh Weak Link
The biggest problem for Bangladesh in this series has been their batting. They have failed to put pressure on Pakistan’s bowlers and have lost wickets at key moments. With most of their top-order players getting out early, the middle and lower order has been left with too much to do.
There have been a few small contributions, but no one has managed to play a big, match-winning innings. The team needs someone to stay at the crease and guide the chase or anchor the innings when batting first. This match is an opportunity for the batters to show more fight and improve their form.
Predicted Playing XI – Pakistan
1. Saim Ayub
2. Fakhar Zaman
3. Mohammad Haris (wk)
4. Hasan Nawaz
5. Salman Ali Agha (c)
6. Shadab Khan
7. Khushdil Shah
8. Faheem Ashraf
9. Haris Rauf
10. Hasan Ali
11. Abrar Ahmed
Predicted Playing XI – Bangladesh
1. Tanzid Hasan
2. Litton Das (c)
3. Najmul Hossain Shanto
4. Towhid Hridoy
5. Mehidy Hasan Miraz
6. Jaker Ali (wk)
7. Shamim Hossain
8. Rishad Hossain
9. Tanzim Hasan Sakib
10. Hasan Mahmud
11. Khaled Ahmed
Pitch and Conditions – Lahore Gaddafi Stadium
The match will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, which has been a high-scoring venue in this series. In the last three games played here, including two in this series, teams batting first have posted exactly 201 runs. That shows the pitch offers good bounce and value for shots.
The weather is expected to be hot and dry, which means the pitch is likely to remain the same throughout the game. Spinners may get some turn in the middle overs, but overall, it is a surface where batters can enjoy playing their shots.
Final Thoughts Before the Match
With the series already won, Pakistan might make small changes to test new players, but they will still want to end the series with a clean sweep. Bangladesh, though out of the contest, will aim to play with pride and gain some confidence before future games.
Both teams will take lessons from this series. Pakistan have shown positive signs with their new batting approach, while Bangladesh will go back and review what went wrong. This third T20I will still be an important game for both sides.
FAQs
Who are the openers for Pakistan in the 3rd T20I against Bangladesh?
Pakistan are likely to open with Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman if Fakhar is fully fit.
Which players are likely to return for Bangladesh in the 3rd T20I?
Najmul Hossain Shanto and Khaled Ahmed are expected to return to the playing XI.
How has Pakistan’s batting improved in this series?
Pakistan have adopted a more aggressive approach, with contributions from players like Mohammad Haris and Hasan Nawaz.
What has been Bangladesh’s main problem in the series?
Bangladesh have struggled with their batting, losing early wickets and failing to build strong partnerships.
Where will the 3rd T20I be played and what are the pitch conditions?
The match will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, where the pitch is good for batting but can offer some help to spinners.
