Pakistan change gears. Bangladesh gamble with fresh firepower. The series may be sealed—but pride, momentum, and bragging rights are still up for grabs in Lahore.
🎬 Toss Drama: Salman Agha Flips the Script
With the series already pocketed 2-0, Pakistan captain Salman Agha walked out for the toss in Lahore with a plan: do things differently. After batting first in the first two matches—and winning both—he threw in a curveball and chose to bowl first in the third T20I.
“We’ve already tested our top order—now it’s time to test our chase,” said Salman, exuding confidence.
Pakistan’s decision wasn’t just strategic—it was experimental. With one eye on the future, they rested the fiery Haris Rauf and brought in Abbas Afridi, hoping to see how their bench handles pressure under lights.
🧨 Bangladesh Play the Debut Card: Enter Khaled Ahmed
On the other end, Bangladesh weren’t just showing up to complete the formalities. With Shoriful Islam sidelined due to a groin injury, they handed a T20I debut to right-arm seamer Khaled Ahmed, adding fresh pace to their attack.
A bold move from a side seeking redemption, not a consolation prize.
🔥 Lineups with Intent
Pakistan XI:
Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Haris (wk), Salman Agha (c), Hasan Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Khushdil Shah, Faheem Ashraf, Hassan Ali, Abbas Afridi, Abrar Ahmed
Bangladesh XI:
Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain, Litton Das (c), Towhid Hridoy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Jaker Ali (wk), Shamim Hossain, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Hasan Mahmud, Khaled Ahmed
🧠 Why This Match Matters — Even with the Series Decided
While Pakistan have already wrapped up the series with clinical wins in the first two matches, this third T20I is far from a dead rubber. It’s a golden chance for:
- Pakistan to test their chasing nerves and bench strength ahead of the World T20.
- Bangladesh to avoid a whitewash and end on a high, salvaging pride and giving youngsters the spotlight.
🌟 Players to Watch
- Abbas Afridi – Can he fill the shoes of Haris Rauf and cement his place as Pakistan’s next pace prodigy?
- Khaled Ahmed – Debuting on a tough stage. Will nerves rattle him or fuel a dream start?
- Shadab Khan – The spin maestro has been in red-hot form, including removing key wickets at crunch moments.
- Litton Das – The stand-in skipper is in solid touch and could be Bangladesh’s best chance at putting up a defendable total.
🕶️ The Vibe in Lahore
The crowd knows the series result. But the energy in Lahore? Electric as ever.
This isn’t just cricket—it’s storytelling in motion. With every ball, a young career could spark. With every over, momentum for future tours could shift.
🏁 What to Expect
Expect the unexpected. Pakistan are experimenting, but their winning mentality hasn’t dimmed. Bangladesh, wounded but motivated, are ready to swing back.
This one’s for pride, passion, and the promise of what’s next.