AFG vs PAK, 3rd ODI | Playing 11 Prediction, Cricket Tips, Preview & Live Streaming

Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran in action | Source: Twitter

Pakistan will look to inflict a clean sweep over Afghanistan when the two teams lock horns in the third and final ODI on Saturday, August 26 at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lanka. 

AFG vs PAK 3rd ODI Team Previews 

Afghanistan 

After that disastrous batting flop in the first ODI, where Afghanistan bowled out for a mere 59 runs while chasing 202, they really stepped up their game in the second ODI. 

They set a solid score of 300 runs for the loss of five wickets, opting to bat first. Rahmanullah Gurbaz stole the show by hammering 151 runs off 151 balls, giving Afghanistan a rock-solid start. 

Gurbaz teamed up with fellow opener Ibrahim Zadran, and together they racked up a massive 227-run partnership for the opening wicket, with Zadran contributing 80 runs. 

Speaking of the bowlers, Fazalhaq Farooqi claimed three wickets, but he kind of leaked runs too. He pulled off a smart move running out Shadab Khan at the non-striker's end, but in the end, it didn't matter much as Naseem Shah smacked a boundary to seal the deal for Pakistan with just one ball left. 

Beside Farooqi, Mohammad Nabi, Mujeeb Ur Rehman, and Abdul Rahman also managed to grab some wickets for Afghanistan. Even though Afghanistan was on top for most of the match, it's clear that they are struggling to handle the pressure. Once they get that under control, they will start clinching those victories. 

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Pakistan

The one aspect that had the Pakistan team praised in the first game came crashing down in the very next one – their bowling attack. It was not anywhere near its best during the second ODI, especially with Rahmanullah, Gurbaz, and Ibrahim Zadran giving the Pakistan pace trio a tough time by smashing them to all corners of the park. 

While Shaheen Afridi could not get a wicket with the new ball, Harish Rauf got a rough deal as Rahmanullah Gurbaz took him to the cleaners. The only one who seemed somewhat decent from the Pakistan trio was Naseem Shah, performing consistently well throughout the game. 

During the massive run-chase, the Men in Green once again proved they have got the batting depth that makes them a force to be reckoned with. They kicked off the run chase on a positive note, even with the captain Babar Azam chipping in with a half-century.  

Imam-ul-Haq stole the show in the chase with his explosive 91 runs. Despite a wobble in the middle order, just when it seemed Pakistan might not make it, Harish Rauf and Naseem Shah stepped up when the team was nine wickets down, guiding Pakistan over the finish line in a nail-biter.  

As we gear up for the third and final ODI, Babar Azam & Co. is all set to push for a clean sweep against Afghanistan. On the other hand, Afghanistan's goal is to grab a win in the third match, avoiding the clean sweep and salvaging a bit of pride. 

AFG vs PAK 3rd ODI Match Details & Live Streaming

 AFG vs PAK 3rd ODI: R. Premadasa Stadium Pitch Report 

The pitch at the R Premadasa Stadium plays fair for both big hitters and bowlers. Spin is going to be the game-changer here, as the pitch could make life tricky for batters in the middle overs. If a team wins the toss, they might fancy batting first, considering the average first innings score sits around 229 runs. 

AFG vs PAK 3rd ODI Probable Playing XIs

Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Riaz Hassan, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Ikram Alikhil, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Abdul Rahman, Shahidullah Kamal

Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Agha Salman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Usama Mir, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf 

AFG vs PAK 3rd ODI Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips 

AFG vs PAK 3rd ODI Match Prediction

Having narrowly missed out against Pakistan in the second ODI, Afghanistan is pumped up to show their mettle and are sitting pretty as the favourites for this match. 

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