Predicting Pakistan’s Playing XI for 3rd T20I vs BAN on May 31, 2025

A thumping 57-run victory in the second T20I has handed Pakistan a series-clinching 2-0 lead over Bangladesh. While the third T20I will once again take place at the famous Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, the question remains whether Pakistan will tinker with their line-up or try to complete a series whitewash with their strongest XI at their disposal. It is hard to see a lot of changes based on the aggressive batting, disciplined bowling, and clinical fielding exhibited by the players in the last game.

Openers

Sahibzada Farhan was the man of the match in the second T20I, scoring 74 off 41 balls, hitting 4 boundaries and 6 sixes. He took the attack immediately to the Bangladesh bowlers, and he laid the platform for a huge total. His timing, aggressive intent, and execution were spot on, with Farhan an easy choice for the third game.

Saim Ayub was hardly at the crease, and we expect Saim to maintain his position as the second opener. Although he was run out for just 4 runs in the last match, the left-handers give an option up top, and Ayub can play a match-winning innings, as we have seen in his previous T20I innings. His ability to innovate during the powerplay keeps him a viable option as the perfect complement to Farhan’s power-hitting.

Middle Order

Mohammad Haris again demonstrated his value in the middle order with some aggressive 41 off 25 balls (4 fours and 2 sixes). Haris looked to enjoy the challenge of batting at No. 3, and instead of impatiently attacking immediately, he took the time to assess the conditions and find a way to rotate the strike before unleashing some power hitting. It is hard to put a number on how much he will add to the Playing XI with that level of aggressive batting option, while providing some very good wicket-keeping skills.

Moved up the order, Hasan Nawaz made an instant impact, hammering an unbeaten 51 from only 23 balls shyness to be aggressive here, and wow, his three sixes were superb! He helped secure a respectable total for Pakistan and has almost secured a position for the playing XI.

All-Rounders

Captain Salman Agha had a decent start personally when he made 19 from 12 balls, and he didn’t have a strong impact on the field either way with his bowling changes and captaincy decisions. He has two overs but pulled off without a wicket. He’s got the best of both worlds—primarily a batter, but handy with the ball too.

Veteran leg-spinning all-rounder Shadab Khan also did his job with the ball and took a wicket for 13 from two overs. He wasn’t able to take advantage of his batting position in this outing, but he has shown that he can break partnerships, and He’s more than capable of chipping in with vital runs down the order.

Check Also: Predicting Bangladesh’s playing XI for 3rd T20 vs Pakistan

Bowlers

The pick of the bowlers today, Abrar Ahmed, delivered a stellar spell, claiming 3 wickets for just 19 runs. The Bangladeshi batters were unable to handle the flight and the sharp turn. Abrar’s wickets in the early part of the middle overs broke the back of the Bangladeshi batting and put them out of the contest. His performance today solidified his position as the premier spinner going into the final T20I.

Even though Haris Rauf was a little expensive, he still took a wicket and remains Pakistan’s most dangerous fast bowler. His pace and ability to generate bounce off the pitch can even bother the best players. With the backing of the home crowd and short boundaries, Rauf’s performance can be vital in dictating the pace and momentum of the game.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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alison richard

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