Afghanistan v Pakistan 3rd T20I (N), Sharjah, March 27, 2023: A Preview
The third and final T20I between Afghanistan and Pakistan will be played at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Monday, March 27, 2023.
Afghanistan are bowling first after winning the toss
Afghanistan Playing XI: Usman Ghani, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan (c), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Farid Ahmad Malik
Pakistan Playing XI: Mohammad Haris (wk), Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan (c), Mohammad Nawaz, Iftikhar Ahmed, Abdullah Shafique, Tayyab Tahir, Imad Wasim, Ihsanullah, Mohammad Wasim, Zaman Khan
The match will start at 9:00 PM local time (5:00 PM GMT) and be telecast live on PTV Sports. You can also watch the online streaming of the match on the official website of PTV Sports.
Afghanistan has already clinched the series by winning the first two matches convincingly. They beat Pakistan by six wickets in the first T20I and by seven wickets in the second T20I, easily chasing down modest targets. Afghanistan has shown its prowess in the shortest-game format, with its batters and bowlers performing consistently.
Once King Babar Azam said : #BabarAzam #BabarAzam𓃵 #PakvsAfg
pic.twitter.com/7OTzTEdii6— King Babar Azam Army (@kingbabararmy) March 26, 2023
Afghanistan’s top order has been in fine form, with Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and Azmatullah Omarzai scoring runs at a brisk pace.
Their middle order has also chipped in with contributions from Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran, and Gulbadin Naib.
Their bowling attack has been led by their spin twins Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, who has been economical and wicket-taking. Karim Janat, Naveen-ul-Haq, and Fazalhaq Farooqi have supported them well.
Afghanistan win the second T20I by seven wickets to gain a 2-0 lead in the series.#AFGvPAK | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/oIsum4ZJII
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) March 26, 2023
On the other hand, Pakistan has struggled to find its rhythm in this series. They have rested some of their key players, like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi, Fakhar Zaman, and Haris Rauf, with an eye on the upcoming Asia Cup and World Cup.
They have given opportunities to some of their young talents, like Saim Ayub, Ihsanullah, Mohammad Wasim, and Zahid Mahmood.
Pakistan’s batting has been inconsistent, with only Shan Masood and Mohammad Nawaz showing some form.
Their bowling has also lacked penetration, with only Shadab Khan and Mohammad Wasim taking wickets regularly. They have failed to contain Afghanistan’s batters and have leaked runs in the death overs.
Imad Wasim reflects on Pakistan team's performance following the second T20I in Sharjah.#AFGvPAK | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/ydtXxqynQ4
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) March 26, 2023
Pakistan will hope to salvage some pride by winning the third T20I and avoiding a whitewash. They must improve their batting and bowling performances and play with more intensity and aggression. They will also need to win the toss and bat first, as chasing has been difficult on this pitch.
Afghanistan will look to continue its dominance and complete a clean sweep over Pakistan. They will look to maintain their winning momentum and confidence ahead of the Asia Cup and World Cup. They will look to bat first if they win the toss and put up a big total on the board.
This match promises to be an exciting contest between two Asian rivals with contrasting fortunes in this series. Will Afghanistan make it 3-0, or will Pakistan avoid humiliation? Tune in to PTV Sports or watch online streaming to find out.
