Pakistan has announced its playing XI for the third and final T20I against Zimbabwe, making several changes to the lineup. Saim Ayub has been dropped, with Sahibzada Farhan named as his replacement. Additionally, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, and Irfan Khan Niazi have been rested for the match.
In their places, Qasim Akram, Arafat Minhas, and Mohammad Hasnain have been included. Qasim, 22, has three T20I appearances but is yet to make a significant mark in international cricket. Arafat, a 19-year-old left-arm spinner, has taken four wickets in his three T20Is. Meanwhile, Hasnain brings experience to the squad with 27 T20Is and 25 wickets to his name.
Salman Ali Agha will continue to lead the side in the absence of regular captain Mohammad Rizwan. Omair Yousuf, Usman Khan, Tayyab Tahir, Jahandad Khan, Abbas Afridi, and Sufiyan Muqeem have retained their spots in the XI.
Pakistan has already secured the series with a commanding 2-0 lead. In the second T20I, they dominated Zimbabwe with a 10-wicket victory, restricting the hosts to their lowest-ever T20I total of 57. Spinner Sufiyan Muqeem starred in the match with a sensational five-wicket haul, conceding just three runs in his 2.4-over spell. His use of pace variation, top spin, and googlies dismantled Zimbabwe’s batting lineup.
Pakistan’s tour of Zimbabwe concludes with this match, after which they will turn their attention to the South Africa tour, starting on December 10. The final game provides an opportunity for young players to shine and for the team to end the series on a high note.
Pakistan Playing XI for the third T20I against Zimbabwe: Sahibzada Farhan, Omair Yousuf, Usman Khan, Salman Ali Agha (captain), Tayyab Tahir, Qasim Akram, Arafat Minhas, Jahandad Khan, Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Sufiyan Moqim.