AFG vs PAK, 3rd T20I: Preview, Pitch Report, Probable XI, Fantasy Tips & Prediction
Shadab Khan hasn't been able to lead his troops effectively (Twitter)
In what promises to be an enthralling contest, Afghanistan and Pakistan are set to face each other in the third and final T20I of the series on Monday, March 27.
The Sharjah Cricket Stadium will host the game, where Rashid Khan's men will be looking to secure a clean sweep, having already made history by clinching the series 2-0.
Meanwhile, Pakistan will be keen to avoid a series whitewash and save their pride by winning the final game.
Team Preview
Afghanistan
Afghanistan's bowlers have been exceptional in the series so far, effectively constraining Pakistan's batters, thereby preventing them from playing their shots. Fazhalhaq Farooqui, in particular, was the pick of the bowlers, registering impressive figures of 2/19 from his four overs, which resulted in Pakistan being restricted to a meagre 130/6 after their 20 overs.
The chase proved challenging on a sluggish pitch in Sharjah, with the required run rate soaring sky-high. Although Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran stitched a 56-run partnership for the second wicket, it came off 69 balls, and the required run rate continued to climb. Subsequently, both of them departed when things got tight.
However, Mohammad Nabi and Najibullah Zadran came to the rescue, as they have done so many times before, with the game turning decisively in Afghanistan's favour after Naseem went for 17 in the penultimate over, leaving just five runs to get in the final over, which Afghanistan eventually achieved. Their focus now would shift towards making a statement and completing a clean sweep over Pakistan.
Pakistan
In contrast, Pakistan's batters have struggled to come to terms with Afghanistan's relentless bowling attack, resulting in their top-order collapsing in both matches.
The Men in Green were reduced to 63/5 inside ten overs. While Imad Wasim and Shadab Khan managed to get Pakistan to a total of 130, with 45 runs coming off the final five overs, the total was not enough to challenge Afghanistan.
Regarding bowling, the Pakistan bowlers started the innings by dismissing Afghan opener Usman Ghani for just seven runs. Subsequently, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran steadied the ship by stitching a partnership of 56 runs and didn't let Pakistan bowlers settle.
Afghanistan played cautiously and did not panic, reaching the target on the penultimate ball. The Shadab Khan-led side, who have had a miserable series so far, will be looking to end the series on a winning note, thereby salvaging their pride.
Match Details
Date & Time: March 27, 09.30 PM IST
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah
Live Streaming: FanCode
Pitch Report
The Sharjah Cricket Stadium is known for its balanced surface, with an average first innings score of 140, and promises to be an intriguing battleground for the two teams. The pitch tends to favor spinners, as seen in the first two games, and the batters will have to be on their toes to counter the slow and tricky conditions.
Probable XIs
Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Usman Ghani, Karim Janat, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan (C), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmed Malik/Naveen-ul-Haq
Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris, Shan Masood, Iftikhar Ahmed, Azam Khan (WK), Shadab Khan (C), Mohammad Nawaz, Imad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Zaman Khan/Usama Mir, Ihsanullah
Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips
Wicket-Keepers: Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Batters: Ibrahim Zadran, Najibullah Zadran, Saim Ayub
All-Rounders: Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Nabi
Bowlers: Fazalhaq Farooqi, Rashid Khan, Ihsanullah, Mujeeb Ur Rahman
Captain: Mohammad Nabi
Vice-Captain: Imad Wasim
Prediction
Afghanistan's current form, extensive experience and profound understanding of the playing conditions deem them as the favourites to win the match and thereby secure a whitewash.
 "Jatin")