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Pakistan will look to finish the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka on a high when the teams meet in the third and final T20I at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, October 13. The hosts have already secured an unassailable 2-0 lead after winning the opening two matches and will aim to complete a clean sweep on home soil.
Sahibzada Farhan is leading Pakistan in the series, with the selectors giving opportunities to several young players alongside experienced names such as Fakhar Zaman and Shadab Khan. Pakistan’s emphatic victory in the second T20I, powered by Maaz Sadaqat’s explosive 96 and Muhammad Imran Randhawa’s three-wicket haul, could encourage the team management to retain a winning combination.
Here is the predicted playing XI of Pakistan for the third T20I against Sri Lanka:
Sahibzada Farhan is expected to continue leading Pakistan and open the innings. The right-handed batter has been entrusted with responsibility in the shortest format and will want to make another valuable contribution before the series concludes. His ability to provide an aggressive start while maintaining composure under pressure makes him an important part of the top order.
Saim Ayub is likely to partner Farhan at the top. The left-hander can put pressure on the opposition during the powerplay with his attacking strokeplay and ability to find gaps. His left-arm bowling also gives Pakistan an additional option, particularly if the pitch offers assistance to spinners.
Fakhar Zaman brings experience and power to Pakistan’s batting line-up. He can take on the Sri Lankan fast bowlers early and change the momentum of an innings within a few overs. With the series already secured, the team could look to give him another opportunity to settle into the middle of the order and build confidence.
Hasan Nawaz is another batter who could feature in the middle order. His attacking approach makes him suitable for the No. 4 position, where he may be required to accelerate after the powerplay or rebuild following an early wicket. Pakistan will want him to convert his starts into a substantial score.
Khawaja Nafay is expected to take responsibility behind the stumps while providing depth to the batting order. The wicketkeeper-batter can contribute in the middle overs and help Pakistan maintain momentum during the latter half of the innings. His inclusion also allows the team to maintain balance without sacrificing a specialist batter.
Maaz Sadaqat could be one of the key players to watch after his sensational performance in the second T20I. He smashed 96 off 51 balls, including seven sixes, helping Pakistan post 215/3. His ability to attack both pace and spin makes him a dangerous option in the middle order. The team will hope he can carry that confidence into the final match and possibly complete another big innings.
Shadab Khan offers Pakistan a valuable all-round option. His leg-spin can trouble Sri Lankan batters through the middle overs, while his batting provides flexibility in the lower middle order. With Pakistan seeking a series whitewash, Shadab’s experience in pressure situations could prove useful.
Arafat Minhas is likely to provide another left-arm spin option. He can help control the scoring rate and target batters who struggle against changes of pace. His presence also adds variety to an attack that features several specialist spinners.
Muhammad Imran Randhawa could retain his place after an outstanding performance in the second T20I. He claimed three wickets for just 11 runs in four overs, playing a major role in restricting Sri Lanka to 133/7. Another opportunity would allow him to build on that display and strengthen his position in the T20I setup.
Naseem Shah is expected to lead the pace attack with his ability to generate speed and movement. He can challenge Sri Lanka’s top order with the new ball and return at the death to execute yorkers and hard-length deliveries. His performance will be important if Pakistan want to restrict the visitors to a manageable total.
Sufiyan Moqim completes the predicted XI as a specialist spin option. His variations could be particularly effective during the middle overs, when Sri Lanka need to rebuild or accelerate. Alongside Shadab and Minhas, he gives Pakistan several options to exploit any assistance available for spin.
Predicted Playing XI: Sahibzada Farhan (c), Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Hasan Nawaz, Khawaja Nafay (wk), Maaz Sadaqat, Shadab Khan, Arafat Minhas, Muhammad Imran Randhawa, Naseem Shah, Sufiyan Moqim.
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