Pakistan Rest Captain Rizwan for Third T20I Against Australia

In a significant move ahead of the third T20I against Australia, the Pakistan cricket team has announced that captain Mohammad Rizwan will be rested. This decision comes as the team looks to regroup and strategize after facing two consecutive defeats in the ongoing series. The match is set to take place in Hobart later today, and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has revealed the Playing XI that will take the field.

Vice-captain Salman Ali Agha will lead the team in Rizwan's absence. Young wicket-keeper Haseebullah Khan has been given the opportunity to step in for Rizwan, showcasing the PCB's commitment to nurturing young talent. Additionally, Jahandad Khan has been included in the squad, replacing fast bowler Naseem Shah. The rest of the team remains unchanged, with established players like Babar Azam, Sahibzada Farhan, and Usman Khan forming the top order.

The middle order will feature Haseebullah, Salman, and Irfan Khan, who made a notable impact in the second T20I with a powerful performance. The pace attack will be spearheaded by Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, who has been in excellent form, supported by Abbas Afridi and Jahandad Khan. Sufyan Muqeem is the only specialist spinner in the line-up, adding variety to the bowling options.

As it stands, Australia leads the three-match T20I series 2-0. In the first match, Pakistan faced a disappointing defeat, losing by 29 runs after Australia set a target of 94 runs in just seven overs. The second T20I saw Pakistan's bowlers, particularly Haris Rauf, perform admirably, restricting Australia to 147 runs for 9 wickets. However, Pakistan's batting faltered, and they were bowled out for 134 runs, resulting in a narrow loss by 13 runs.

The Playing XI for Pakistan is as follows: Babar Azam, Haseebullah Khan (wk), Sahibzada Farhan, Usman Khan, Salman Agha (c), Irfan Khan, Abbas Afridi, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Haris Rauf, and Jahandad Khan.

As fans eagerly await the match, the decision to rest Rizwan may prove to be a strategic move, allowing the team to explore new combinations and build depth in their squad. With the series on the line, the players will be looking to deliver a strong performance and regain their footing against a formidable Australian side. The upcoming match is not just a chance for redemption but also an opportunity for emerging players to shine on the international stage.