DHAKA, Bangladesh: Bangladesh won the toss and opted to field first against Pakistan in the third and final T20 International at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Thursday.
With the series already sealed 2-0 in Bangladesh’s favour, Pakistan will be playing for pride in the last match, hoping to avoid a whitewash.
Bangladesh, on the other hand, will be eyeing a clean sweep and their second consecutive T20I series victory.
Pakistan made several changes to their playing XI as they looked to test bench strength.
The team included young talents like Hasan Nawaz and Salman Mirza, while Agha Salman continued to lead the side.
The visitors’ line-up also featured Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Haris (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Faheem Ashraf, Abbas Afridi, and Ahmed Daniyal.
Bangladesh fielded the same side, with Litton Kumar Das captaining and keeping wickets.
The playing XI included Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Naim Sheikh, Mehidy Hassan Miraz, Jaker Ali Anik, Shamim Hossain Patwary, Md Saifuddin, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, and Nasum Ahmed.
The head-to-head record between the two teams heavily favours Pakistan, who have won 19 out of 24 T20Is played against Bangladesh.
However, the momentum in this series has clearly been with the hosts, who have outplayed Pakistan in both previous matches.
Pakistan’s campaign in Bangladesh has been disappointing, especially after entering the series with confidence following a home win against the same opponents just six weeks ago.
🚨 TOSS ALERT 🚨
Bangladesh win the toss and opt to field first in the third T20I 🏏#BANvPAK | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/DnfnnoYMIq
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) July 24, 2025
Unfamiliar playing conditions, a lack of settled combinations, and disciplined bowling from the hosts have exposed several weaknesses in the visiting side.
The second T20I saw Pakistan’s top order collapse under pressure once again, with only Faheem Ashraf offering resistance in the lower order.
Captain Agha Salman struggled with a sluggish innings of 9 runs off 23 balls, while Hasan Nawaz registered ducks in both games.
The Mirpur pitch, known for its slow and unpredictable nature, has drawn criticism but proved effective for Bangladesh’s bowling attack.
The hosts have adapted well, using the surface to their advantage. While Mustafizur Rahman has been rested for the final match, the bowling unit has been consistent.
