Published on: Aug 25, 2023 9:42 am IST|Updated on: Sep 1, 2023 5:45 pm IST
The third and final ODI match of the 3-match ODI series between Afghanistan and Pakistan will be played on August 26 at Hambantota. The last ODI match saw a dramatic finish where Naseem Shah was once again the man who denied Afghanistan a well-deserved victory. Following yesterday’s fixture, Pakistan have clinched the series by 2-0 and are gearing up to register an unassailable whitewash against Afghanistan.
As we build up to the scintillating AFG vs PAK Dream11 clash, here is everything that you need to know about the third ODI match of the series.
Afghanistan vs Pakistan, Match 3 26 August, 3:00 PM IST Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium Pitch, Hambantota, Sri Lanka
Table of Contents
Pakistan have dominated Afghanistan right throughout the series. They were ruthless in the first ODI match where they skittled Afghanistan for a shambolic score of 59. In the preceding ODI match, Afghanistan openers featuring Gurbaz and Zadran dominated the majority of the first innings by registering a record-breaking 227-run stand to propel Afghanistan to an imposing total of 300. Despite their strong effort with the bat, Pakistan managed to reach their target with just 1 wicket and 1 ball to spare.
By looking at their head-to-head statistics, both sides have locked horns 5 times in ODI cricket and all 5 matches have been won by Pakistan. The Men in Green have only been defeated once in their last 5 ODI games whereas Afghanistan have suffered 3 defeats in their last 5 ODI matches.
Form Guide
Afghanistan: LLLWW Pakistan: WWLWW
The pitch at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium has offered balanced assistance to both batters and bowlers in the last game. A new strip was used in the last game which saw in excess of 600 runs scored into completed innings. Nevertheless, spinners hold a distinct advantage on this pitch due to its surface characteristics. Besides, the long boundary dimensions further add to the difficulties of the batsman. Out of 20 ODI games played at this venue, teams batting first have only won 9 games which serves as a true indication that batting can become progressively easier under lights.
Last result at the venue
Match: Afghanistan vs Pakistan Afghanistan: 300/5 in 50 overs Pakistan: 302/9 in 49.5 overs
Pakistan won 1 wicket.
Abdul Rahman took a severe beating and is likely going to be rested ahead of the final ODI match. Noor Ahmed may be given a go in place of Abdul Rahman. We expect Afghanistan to make a few more changes to their bowling department.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s stats in ODI
Ibrahim Zadran’s stats in ODI
Pakistan is likely to stick with their winning combination and would most certainly go with an unchanged playing Xl.
Shadab Khan’s stats in ODI
Imam Ul Haq’s stats in ODI
Pakistan have their noses ahead and have now clinched the series by 2-0. It has been a closely contested series so far but Pakistan have successfully been able to overcome all their adversaries. They were superb with the ball in the first game and in the second game, they showed a great deal of resilience to snatch victory from Afghanistan in the last-over thriller. Besides, Afghanistan’s ODI record against Pakistan isn’t promising either as they are yet to register their maiden ODI victory against them. Pakistan are clearly the favorites here to win the last ODI match.
Wicket-keepers: Rahmanullah Gurbaz Batsmen: Ibrahim Zadran, Imam Ul Haq, Babar Azam All-rounder: Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Rashid Khan Bowlers: Noor Ahmad, Shaheen Afridi, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naseem Shah
For Small League, Head to Head contest: Ibrahim Zadran, Imam Ul Haq
For Grand League, Mega Contest: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Iftikhar Ahmed
Rahmanullah Gurbaz can be a very robust batsman and we have seen a glimpse of how he can flourish once he gets his eye in. He should be your top batsman to feature in your Dream11 lineup. Naseem Shah had a quiet day with the ball with only 1 wicket to his name while going at 5 RPO. But he stunned Afghanistan with the bat with his last over heroics. He is definitely someone you should include who can bring a lot to the table. Shadab Khan is a highly useful customer with the bat and the ball and bagged the Player of the Match award for his match-winning performance of 48 (35) and 0-53. Rashid Khan has not been at his fluent best in this series and hence, it will be advisable if you refrain from him.
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Tags: AfghanistanPakistan