LAHORE - Pakistan will aim to complete a 3-0 clean sweep over Bangladesh when the two sides meet in the third and final T20I at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore today (Sunday).
With the series already secured, the hosts have a chance to test bench strength, fine-tune combinations, and continue their evolution toward a more aggressive T20 approach under the leadership of Salman Agha. Despite facing a relatively inexperienced Bangladesh side, Pakistan’s renewed batting intent and composure with the ball have been noteworthy. A third win would not only seal a whitewash but also provide momentum ahead of future assignments in the shortest format.
Pakistan began the series on a high, clinching a convincing 37-run victory in the opening T20I. Batting first, the hosts posted a formidable total of 201 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs. In reply, Bangladesh faltered in the chase and were bowled out for 164 in 19.2 overs. In the second T20I, Pakistan once again displayed their batting prowess, setting an identical target. This time, they amassed 201 for 6, with consistent contributions throughout the innings. Bangladesh, however, struggled even more with the bat and collapsed for just 144, handing Pakistan a dominant 57-run win and an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.
In today’s (Sunday) match, Pakistan will be hoping for a return to form from Saim Ayub, while Naseem Shah could get his first appearance in the series, may replace Haris Rauf or Abbas Afridi, while the rest of the XI is likely to remain unchanged. Bangladesh, on the other hand, are forced into at least one change. Shoriful Islam has been ruled out due to a groin injury, and Khaled Ahmed is expected to take his place. Skipper Litton Das may also promote Najmul Hossain Shanto up the order in a bid to strengthen their powerplay approach.
PROBABLE PLAYING XIS
PAKISTAN: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris (wk), Hasan Nawaz, Salman Agha (capt), Shadab Khan, Khushdil Shah, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf/Abbas Afridi/Naseem Shah, Hasan Ali, Abrar Ahmed.
BANGLADESH: Tanzid Hasan, Litton Das (capt), Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Jaker Ali (wk), Shamim Hossain, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Hasan Mahmud, Khaled Ahmed.