COLOMBO: Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan showcased their batting prowess, steering Pakistan to a commendable total of 267/8 in the third ODI match of the series. A victory could propel Pakistan to the top of the ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings.
Opting to bat first, Pakistan faced early challenges with the dismissal of openers Fakhar Zaman and Imamul Haq. However, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan once again demonstrated their partnership’s resilience and proficiency, accumulating 110 runs in 145 balls. Their steady performance provided a sturdy foundation for Pakistan to post a competitive score.
Despite Afghanistan’s bowlers managing to restrain Pakistan to 268-8, Babar’s and Rizwan’s formidable display ensured that Pakistan’s prospects remained promising. The Men in Green have already secured the series with a 2-0 lead and are vying for a clean sweep in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Earlier after winning the toss, Babar Azam, the Pakistani skipper, expressed confidence in his team’s pursuit of a significant total. “We will increase the pressure on the Afghan team by setting a huge target,” Babar stated. He also highlighted the four changes made to the playing eleven, with Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, and Mohammad Wasim Jr stepping in for the match.
Afghanistan also faces the challenge of replacing all-rounder Azmatullah Umarzai, who was ruled out due to a side strain. Gulbadin Naib has been brought in as a replacement, adding to the dynamic elements of the match.
The final match of the series has implications beyond the result, as a victory for Pakistan could propel them to the top of the ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings, ahead of Australia.
With the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s Cricket World Cup on the horizon, Pakistan’s potential ascent to the No.1 ODI ranking adds further intrigue to the match’s outcome.
Pakistan Squad
Babar Azam (captain), Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Afghanistan Squad
Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Riaz Hassan, Mohammad Nabi, Shahidullah Kamal, Rashid Khan, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi
