Mahedi Hasan, Faheem Ashraf and Jaker Ali (Source: @BCBtigers/X.com, @ICC/X.com)
After the heartbreak of losing both games, Pakistan will again face Bangladesh in the third and final T20I of the series, to be played at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka. This game will be played on Thursday, July 24th, 2025, from 5:30 PM IST.
After winning the first game comfortably, Bangladesh came back, but were bowled out for 133 in their 20 overs, with Jaker Ali being the top scorer with 55, while Mehdi Hasan scored 33 to propel Bangladesh to a decent total. With the ball, Pakistan were brilliant, especially Salman Mirza and Ahmed Daniyal, picking two wickets each.
However, in reply, there was nothing they could do, especially in the first half, as they were reduced to 30/6 in just 9.2 overs, with both spinners and pacers doing the damage. At one point, the game was long gone, but Faheem Ashraf displayed his magic, scoring 51 to pull Pakistan back into the game, only to lose it in the last few overs by just eight runs, as they were bowled out for 125 in 19.2 overs, where Shoriful Islam picked three wickets. There has been a shortage of runs in the series, considering the fact that the pitches have been on the slower side in both games, aiding pacers and spinners, who can trouble the batters with change of pace.
Therefore, with the final T20I on the cards, Pakistan will be looking to play for pride, while Bangladesh will be hoping to secure a whitewash. Hence, here are the top three captain/vice-captain choices for BAN vs PAK 3rd T20I.
3. Mahedi Hasan
Why Will Mahedi Hasan Be A Good Choice As The Captain Or Vice-Captain?
Bangladeshi spinning all-rounder, Mahedi Hasan, justified his selection by playing a fine 33-run, match-winning knock in the last game, alongside picking two crucial wickets, as his all-round contribution proved quite valuable in a game where runs were scarce.
Mahedi, who has the experience of playing in 60 T20Is, has scored 401 runs so far in T20I cricket while picking up 56 wickets at an average of 24.60 and an economy of 6.74, helping Bangladesh in crucial, tense situations. Mahedi can be quite useful on pitches that are slow and grippy, as he can manoeuvre the field with his batting ability and grab wickets at the same time with his turning off-breaks. Therefore, Hasan can be a crucial C/VC pick for your fantasy team.
2. Faheem Ashraf
Why Will Faheem Ashraf Be A Good Choice As The Captain Or Vice-Captain?
When the match went out of their reach, Pakistani pace bowling all-rounder, Faheem Ashraf, took the mantle into his own hands, as he played a gem of a knock, scoring 51 off 32 deliveries, with four boundaries and as many sixes, to help Pakistan in a losing cause. Faheem's big-hitting ability came in handy in a situation when they were in desperate need of some runs.
While with the ball, he was outstanding, bowling a spell of 1 for 20, helping his side bowl Bangladesh out for 133. Overall, in his international T20 career, he has featured in 53 matches, where he has snapped 20 wickets at an average of 27.42, while giving runs at an economy of 7.66. With the bat, he has been decent so far in limited opportunities, as he has scored 379 runs at a strike rate of 130.24 in 37 innings. Therefore, with all the factors in mind, he can be an extremely valuable pick as C/VC of the fantasy team.
1. Jaker Ali
Why Will Jaker Ali Be A Good Choice As The Captain Or Vice-Captain?
Bangladeshi batter Jaker Ali proved himself in the last game, scoring a very valuable 55 runs off 48 deliveries with one boundary and five maximums in a game where runs were in extremely high demand. Jaker, who is a middle-order batter, has the ability to change the momentum of the game with massive blows and big-hitting abilities, especially in the death overs.
With all the power that he possesses, it is highly likely that he might just play yet another crucial knock for Bangladesh. Looking at his T20I career, Jaker, who has batted in 29 innings so far, has scored 570 runs at an average of 28.50 with a strike rate of 126.66, where he has struck three half-centuries in short-form cricket. Therefore, with all the factors in mind, Jaker Ali can be a worthy pick as C/VC of your fantasy side.
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